Mane and Rashid set to clash for title

Udayan Mane, a six-time winner on the Professional Golf Tour of India, regained the top spot on the leaderboard with two-time Asian Tour winner Rashid Khan for company, on the third day of the Louis Philippe Cup here.

Mane shot a 1-under 69 for a total of 9-under 201 in the USD 75,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) and PGTI co-sanctioned event at the Prestige Golfshire Club.

The duo of Udayan and Rashid are currently 4-shots clear of the field.

Udayan who had set a course record 63 on day one along with Miguel Carballo to jointly lead the field, had yielded the advantage to the Argentine, when he finished a stroke behind in second position at the end of day two.

Today however, with strong winds from every possible direction continuing to frustrate and test the golfers to the hilt, Udayan registered his third sub-par round on the trot to regain the lead. The Argentine managed a 4-over 74 on the day to climb down two notches to lie in tied third position.

Speaking after his round Udayan said, "It was a very frustrating day for me. I hit well off the tee but my short game today tested me a lot. I had really good putts but most of them lipped out and that for sure frustrated me a lot.

"Luckily I have had such experiences and that helped me to a large extent. The round today has at least given me an idea about my game tomorrow and I hope to stick to my plan."
"Hole 16 was the most challenging, as it required a longer shot to save par. Tomorrow's game will be my own game and no strategy."