Indian golfer Rashid slips to third at Taiwan Masters

Young Indian golfer Rashid Khan slipped to the third position following a disappointing three-over 75 in the third and penultimate round of the $650,000 Mercuries Taiwan Masters here on Saturday.

Rashid, who scored 68 and 70 to lead after the halfway stage, was undone by four bogeys on the ninth, 10th, 12th and 15th holes. The Delhi golfer got a birdie on the fifth hole at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club's Tamsui course.

The 24-year-old has a three-day total of three-under 213, two strokes short of leader Liang Wen-chong of China, who surged to lead with a flawless four-under 68. Malaysian Danny Chia battled to a 73 to take the second place.

Despite struggling with a cold putter, Rashid is determined to put up a strong challenge when he steps up to the tee for the final round.

"I am only two shots back so I think I still have a chance tomorrow. I will try my best to catch up," Rashid said in an Asian Tour release.

Among Indians in the fray, Himmat Rai carded 73 to get a total of five-over 221 and share the 19th spot.

Gaganjeet Bhullar (74) took his total to 222 and was tied 25th. S. Chikka was joint 39th, while Chiragh Kumar was tied 44th.

Meanwhile, Liang, who started the round five shots off the lead, put up a perfect round highlighted by four birdies for a three-day total of five-under.

Filipino veteran Antonio Lascuna signed for a 72 to stay four shots off the pace in fourth place while local stalwart Yeh Wei-tze (73), Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond (71), Adilson Da Silva (73) of Brazil and Sri Lankan Mithun Perera (74) shared fifth on 217.