India's S Chikkrangappa stayed in the fray for his maiden Asian Tour title as he ended the third day of the USD 300,000 Bashundhara Bangladesh Open here today in second place, three shots behind overnight leader Thitiphun Chuayprakong (65).
Chikka, who has twice won Asian Development Tour titles, but finished inside Top-10 only once in an Asian Tour event, also shot 65 to total 14-under 199, three behind Thitiphun.
Another Indian, Gaganjeet Bhullar, a five-time winner on Asian Tour, was within striking distance, as he added a five-under 66 to be sole fourth at 13-under 200. Bhullar's last Asian Tour win came in Indonesia in 2013.
Shubhankar Sharma, also looking for his maiden Asian Tour win, and who was third overnight slipped to tied seventh after a round of even par 71. Also slipping down were Rahul Bajaj (72) and Rahil Gangjee (72), who are now tied 22nd. Shankar Das (69) is tied-33rd, while Abhijit Chadha (72) and Sujjan Singh (69) are tied 39th and Khalin Joshi (71) and Amardip Malik (71) are tied 54th.
Chikka, who has not dropped a shot in his last 26 holes, believes his title aspirations are still there as he can go low and challenge Thitiphun.
"I enjoyed myself a lot. I didn't make any bogeys today and my tee shots were better compared to yesterday. I hit the ball really well. Thitiphun got off to a great start. He was just unstoppable. It's good to see solid golf. It motivates you to play well," said the 22-year-old Indian, who highlighted his round with six birdies.
"It's going to be the same for me tomorrow. I just want to go out there and enjoy myself. I don't want to think so much. I have been in this position before so I really hope to just enjoy my game tomorrow," added Chikkarangappa, who sank a 30-footer putt left to right and down the hill for birdie on 17.
Thitiphun, who held a two-shot advantage heading into the round, got off to an amazing start where he sank four straight birdies starting from the third hole before soaring with an eagle-three on seven and another birdie on eight to turn in with a sensational 28.
The 23-year-old Thai, however, dropped his first shot in 29 holes after the turn and stumbled with a double-bogey on 13 but recovered with two birdies on his way home for a three-day total of 17-under-par 196 at the Kurmitola Golf Club.
Thai Sutijet Kooratanapisan (65) shares the second place with Chikka.
Japan's Shunya Takeyasu signed for a 68 to take fifth place on 203 while young Thai Phachara Khongwatmai stayed eight shots off the pace in sixth following a 67 in what is the third leg of the Asian Tour schedule this season.
"Apart from the wind, the course is kind tricky as well. You need to hit it really straight on some holes. It's difficult when you have to control your ball under the windy conditions. I was really lucky on the 18. I hit a straight shot and the ball landed just before the OB zone," Rashid said.
"I found the greens and holed some putts today. I holed my longest putt on the eight for birdie. It was a 50-footer downhill left to right. I played this tournament last year but missed the cut by one shot," added Rashid.
Jeev had a mountain to climb after putting two balls in the water on the very first hole. He had an eight, a quadruple bogey and then added another bogey on fourth to go five-over after just five holes.
"I was quite taken aback as I have been playing well, and here I was in danger of messing it all up in the first few holes. I played the last 12 holes in four-under and finished at one-over," said Jeev.
"I have a morning round, maybe the wind will be kinder."
Leader Dodt said, "If someone said six under at the start of the day, I would have put my hand up yesterday and taken it. It's not easy out there. If you're off by just a little bit, everything gets magnified by the wind. I probably won't shoot 66 tomorrow but I've just got to try to minimise the mistakes.
