NEW DELHI – Japanese golfer Keita Nakajima shot a bogey-free 7-under 65 to take a two-stroke lead and transfer nearer to profitable his second title on the European Tour after the third spherical of the DP World India Championship on Saturday.
Nakajima, a 25-year-old former top-ranked novice, has two European Ryder Cup stars behind him, with Tommy Fleetwood (69) in second place and Shane Lowry (69) one stroke behind in third place.
Rory McIlroy, the centerpiece of Derry Golf Membership and second within the rankings, shot a 68 and entered the ultimate spherical in a tie for fifteenth place, seven strokes behind the lead.
“I am most likely two pictures too far to have a practical likelihood,” McIlroy mentioned.
Nakajima birdied 4 of the primary eight holes, then made three consecutive birdies beginning at No. 12, totaling greater than 70 ft and leapfrogging then-leader Fleetwood. He made par on the best way residence and maintained his lead as he seemed to win his first tour title for the reason that Hero Indian Open in March 2024.
He mentioned the key to his good efficiency within the third spherical was having the ability to observe his enjoying associate Lowry.
“I cherished the tempo of his swing and imitated him, so my swing was higher than yesterday and my mindset was nice,” Nakajima mentioned.
Fleetwood, who held the lead in a single day, birdied two of the primary three holes and the par-5 eighth. His solely bogey got here on No. 17 after a three-putt from 30 ft, however he recovered with a remaining birdie to advance to the ultimate group.
“Keita hasn’t moved ahead sufficient to be in full management,” mentioned Fleetwood, who received the Tour Championship on the PGA Tour in August and was Europe’s high scorer in profitable the Ryder Cup final month. “Take pleasure in yourselves for tomorrow. The ultimate group is at all times the very best. It’s a must to benefit from the second. You by no means know when it can come once more.”
