Yannik Paul will take a narrow one-shot lead into the final round of the Hero Indian Open after bouncing back from a rocky start to sign for a 71 on Saturday.
Germany’s Paul led by five at the halfway stage but made back-to-back bogeys at the 2nd and 3rd on day three to open the door for the chasing pack.
The 28-year-old bounced back brilliantly, though, reeling off a hat-trick of gains at the 6th, 7th and 8th to take a three-shot lead into the turn.
After making a good par save at the 10th, last week’s Thailand Classic runner-up Paul created plenty of birdie chances over the next few holes but had to settle for pars.
There was a two-shot swing late in the day as Paul bogeyed the par-three 16th and fellow German Marcel Siem birdied the 17th up ahead, reducing Paul’s advantage to a single shot.
Paul made a fabulous birdie three at the 17th to move two clear once more but after Siem made a birdie at the last, Paul could only manage a par there to head into the clubhouse on 11 under par.
Four-time DP World Tour winner Siem, who regained his card at the Qualifying School late last year, sat alone in second place on 10 under after making six birdies and one bogey in his 67.
Dutchman Joost Luiten, who is a six-time winner, was another two shots back in third following his 68.
JT Schaper is the best-placed South African (T20) on two under.
– Edited report from DP World Tour website
