Kazuki holds lead in bti Open for 3rd day

Japan’s Kazuki Higa continued to be the top favourite to lift the trophy at the US$ 60,000 bti Open Golf as he produced a three-under-69 at the Kurmitola Golf Club in the capital yesterday to maintain his lead for the third day in succession.

Higa, the wire-to-wire leader since round one, totaled 15-under-201 at the end of round three to stay ahead of the rest by three shots.

Bangladesh’s Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (68), playing at his home course, fired a third successive 68 to emerge as the strongest challenger to Higa at 12-under-204 at the event tri-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT), Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers Association (BPGA).

Kazuki Higa’s (62-70-69) lead may have whittled down from five shots on day one to three shots in round three, but he looked in total control on Thursday sinking four birdies and dropping a lone bogey which was only his second error of the tournament.

Higa, now the prime contender for the title, said, “I felt a little nervous to begin with but the early birdies helped me settle down. I felt no pressure thereafter and thoroughly enjoyed my round.

Local favourite Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (68-68-68) is likely to provide the stiffest challenge to the leader on the final day. Zamal, who has won both his PGTI titles at the Kurmitola Golf Club, mixed six birdies with two bogeys during his round of 68 to improve his position from overnight tied second to sole second.

Bangladesh’s numero uno and two-time Asian Tour winner Md Siddikur Rahman was the fourth golfer from the host country in the top-10. Siddikur was placed tied 10th at six-under-210 along with India’s M Dharma and American John Catlin.

Kazuki holds lead in bti Open for 3rd day

Japans Kazuki Higa continued to be the top favourite to lift the trophy at the US$ 60,000 bti Open Golf as he produced a three-under-69 at the Kurmitola Golf Club in the capital yesterday to maintain his lead for the third day in succession. Higa, the wire-to-wire leader since round one, totaled 15-under-201 at the end of round three to stay ahead of the rest by three shots. Bangladeshs Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (68), playing at his home course, fired a third successive 68 to emerge as the strongest challenger to Higa at 12-under-204 at the event tri-sanctioned by the Asian Development Tour (ADT), Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and Bangladesh Professional Golfers Association (BPGA). Kazuki Higas (62-70-69) lead may have whittled down from five shots on day one to three shots in round three, but he looked in total control on Thursday sinking four birdies and dropping a lone bogey which was only his second error of the tournament. Higa, now the prime contender for the title, said, I felt a little nervous to begin with but the early birdies helped me settle down. I felt no pressure thereafter and thoroughly enjoyed my round. Local favourite Md Zamal Hossain Mollah (68-68-68) is likely to provide the stiffest challenge to the leader on the final day. Zamal, who has won both his PGTI titles at the Kurmitola Golf Club, mixed six birdies with two bogeys during his round of 68 to improve his position from overnight tied second to sole second. Bangladeshs numero uno and two-time Asian Tour winner Md Siddikur Rahman was the fourth golfer from the host country in the top-10. Siddikur was placed tied 10th at six-under-210 along with Indias M Dharma and American John Catlin.