New Delhi: India’s emerging star Shubhankar Sharma stormed into a joint lead Saturday after rallying to an even-par 72 in the penultimate round of the Indian Open golf.
After a double-bogey at the 17th, 21-year-old Sharma hit a birdie on the next to share the lead with England’s Matt Wallace on seven-under 209.
Wallace, who won his maiden European Tour title last year in Portugal, showed his mettle, finishing the day on two-under 70.
“The course played really tough and I’m very happy with my 72,” said Sharma.
“I holed out on the second, made a few good birdies and got a bad bounce on the 17th.
“I’m very pleased with the birdie at the last which allowed me to grab a share of the lead.
Sharma’s effort has put him in contention to become the first Indian to win three European Tour titles in a season.
The youngster has delighted home fans by rocketing from 462nd to 66th place in just three months following two European Tour wins and a strong showing at the WGC-Mexico Championships last weekend.
Scotsman Stephen Gallacher (67) was one shot behind the leaders in third place.
“It’s getting tougher now. The wind has picked up and they put a few tee back today so it was playing its full length,” said Gallacher.
“Anything under par was brilliant and I had a good finish there so it sets me up for tomorrow.”
Overnight leader Emiliano Grillo of Argentina slipped down the leaderboard as he struggled with the strong winds at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurgaon.
