Pune: Manu Gandas of DLF Golf & Country Club maintained his three stroke advantage after Round 3 of the IGU Western India Juniors being played at the Par-71 Poona Club Golf Course here on Friday where Tutul Ali carded the best score of the day at one-under-par 70.

Under tougher course conditions, Manu was one-over- par for the day going out and leading second placed Pukhraj Singh Gill and Feroz Singh Garewal by five strokes. However, an uncharacteristic back nine of 40 cut his lead to the overnight three strokes going in.

Arjun Puri extended his lead in Category B to four strokes after carding a round of six-over-par 77. Kartik Sharma is placed second four strokes behind with Bhav Sharma a further five strokes behind in third. Karandeep Kochar and Arjun Prasad complete the top 5.

Manu had a unique front nine with all 4’s on his card including a birdie and two bogeys. However, a bogey-bogey finish to go with couple earlier and five pars cut down his lead to three strokes. Pukhraj made the move today and is tied with Feroz Singh Garewal by gaining a stroke on him today.

“I had a somewhat steady front nine but made a few mistakes on the back nine”, said Manu. “I am hopeful about tomorrow as my lead is still three strokes and will be looking to finish with a win.” He added.

Top Scores (after 54 holes):

Category A & B

217 Manu Gandas (71,70,76); 220 Pukhraj Singh Gill (71,74,75), Feroz Singh Garewal (75,69,76); 221 Tapendra Ghai (73,74,74); 222 Arjun Puri (Cat B) (69,76,77); 226 Kartik Sharma (Cat B) (76,71,79); 231 Rohan Dhole Patil (72,78,81), Bhav Sharma (Cat B) (78,76,77); 232 Tutul Ali (83,79,70), Prakhar Asawa (79,80,73)

Category B

222 Arjun Puri (69,76,77); 226 Kartik Sharma (76,71,79); 231 Bhav Sharma (78,76,77); 237 Karandeep Kochar (81,79,77); 242 Arjun Prasad (81,84,77)