Golf: Diksha Dagar Climbs to Tied-11th, Eyes Another Top-10 Finish at Women's Scottish Open

Dundonald Links, Scotland, July 26: India's Diksha Dagar continued her excellent run of form in 2026 with a composed third-round 2-under 70 that lifted her into a share of 11th place at the ISPS HANDA Women's Scottish Open, keeping her firmly in contention for another top-10 finish heading into the final round.

Battling another testing day at Dundonald Links, where players faced a mixture of rain, gusting winds and occasional sunshine, the two-time Ladies European Tour winner once again demonstrated her consistency. Diksha's 70 moved her to 1-over-par for the tournament, leaving her just outside the top 10 with one round remaining before next week's AIG Women's Open.

The Hero-backed Indian has enjoyed one of the most consistent seasons of her career and another strong finish would further enhance her impressive campaign.

India's other representatives, Avani Prashanth and Pranavi Urs, had bowed out after missing the cut on Friday in the demanding conditions.

Diksha began steadily with three consecutive pars before picking up her first birdie at the fourth. Her only blemish came at the ninth, where she dropped a shot to make the turn in even-par. She then produced her best stretch of the day with consecutive birdies on the 13th and 14th holes before safely negotiating the closing four holes with pars. A birdie opportunity on the 18th narrowly slipped away, but her 70 still earned her one of the better rounds among the contenders.

At the top of the leaderboard, Korea's Jenny Shin remained in complete control despite surrendering some of her overnight advantage. Shin carded a 1-under 71 to reach 12-under-par, taking a five-shot lead into the final round.

The Korean, who has led since the completion of the opening round, made her first birdie of the day at the sixth before dropping a shot at the 10th. She responded immediately with a birdie on the 11th to restore momentum and preserve her commanding cushion. Despite her extensive LPGA experience, Shin has never previously taken a five-shot lead into the final round of a tournament.

Thailand's Pajaree Anannarukarn produced one of the day's joint-best rounds with a 3-under 69 to move into solo second at 7-under. Birdies at the third, 12th and 17th helped the Thai star close the gap, although she still trails Shin by five shots.

Japan's Erika Hara and Germany's Esther Henseleit shared third place at 5-under after rounds of 71 and 73 respectively.

Korea's A Lim Kim occupied fifth place at 3-under, while Japan's Miyu Yamashita and defending champion Lauren Coughlin were tied for sixth at 2-under. Americans Rose Zhang and Ryann O'Toole shared eighth alongside Korea's Amy Yang.

The final round will also determine the last three qualifying places for next week's AIG Women's Open. After 54 holes, Thailand's Chanettee Wannasaen, Ecuador's Daniela Darquea and Russia's Nataliya Guseva occupied the provisional qualifying spots.