Ashok opens a four-shot lead in Colour Plus Open

Gurgaon, June 16 (UNI) Ashok Kumar stayed on course for his fifth title as he sizzled to yet another superb round of five-under 67 on the third day of Rs 25 lakh Colour Plus Open Golf tournament here today.

Following up on super rounds of 66 and 68 on first two days, Ashok fired six birdies against a lone bogey and climbed to 15-under 201 to open up a four-shot lead over his nearest rival, Digvijay Singh (68).

Young Gaganjeet Bhullar, shot the day's best of six-under 66 and rose to tied third with seasoned professionals Gaurav Ghei (68) and SSP Chowrasia (70).

Four others, C Muniyappa (68), Mukesh Kumar (69), Mohd Islam (72) and Vikrant Chopra (70) were tied for sixth at six-under 210.

Ashok started with a birdie on the first and did not let off through the day. He added birdies on the fifth and seventh and turned in three-under 33.

Meanwhile, Digvijay Singh was on fire as he had five birdies and came through the first half in five-under 31. However, the 11th hole saw the tide turn. Ashok birdied the hole and Digvijay dropped a shot and the two-shot swing saw the gap rise to three again.

Ashok added two more birdies and bogeyed the 17th to finish at 67, while Digvijay added one each of birdie and bogey to end at 68.

Bhullar, shot seven birdies and just one bogey on the 17th.

He shot a six-under 66, that helped him get to tied third with Ghei and Chowrasia.

Earlier in the morning the second round was completed amidst a drizzle. The cut came at five-over and the big names missing it were Harmeet Kahlon (76-76), Amardip Malik (74-80) and Sandeep Syal (75-75).

Scores after third round: 201- Ashok Kumar, 205- Digvijay Singh, 206-Gaganjeet Bhullar, Gaurav Ghei, SSP Chowrasia, 210- C Muniyappa, Mukesh Kumar, Shiv Prakash and Arjun Singh.

UNI