Jakarta, Nov 19 (IANS) Veteran Indian golfer Jeev Milkha Singh shot a flawless six-under 66 to lead by one shot over compatriot Gaganjeet Bhullar after the third round of the BANK BRI-JCB Indonesia Open here on Saturday as he aims to end a four-year title drought.
The two-time Asian Tour number one posted six birdies for a 13-under 203 total to set-up a nail-biting finale against Bhullar, who settled for a 68 after he bogeyed the last hole at the Pondok Indah Golf Course.
Thailand's Pannakorn Uthaipas returned with a 70 for a 205 total while local talent Danny Masrin trails by four shots after shooting a 67 as he aims to become the second Indonesian to win his national Open since 1985.
The 44-year-old Jeev, who has won 14 titles around the world but not since 2012, was delighted to lead in the tournament after finishing 29 holes after the second round was suspended on Friday.
"I've been up since four in the morning and I played 29 holes today. I can't remember the last time I played so many holes. Honestly, my feet are hurting but I should be ready by tomorrow," he said in an Asian Tour release.
"I want to give these young boys a run for their money. Mentally I'm 21 but physically I'm not. I want to keep playing this game for 10 years and for as long as I play, I want to make the most of it," he added.
After struggling with injuries in recent years, Singh played some of his best golf with the help of his coach and caddy Amritinder Singh. His young son also followed him for 18 holes to give him added motivation.
"At the end of the day you have to keep believing in yourself and keep working on the right stuff. I'm happy this week because my family are here with me and my son followed me for 18 holes for the first time in my life. I was focussing more on him and I think that helped!" said Singh.
Bhullar put himself in prime position to win the BANK BRI-JCB Indonesia Open for the second time in his career but he was disappointed to drop a shot on the last hole. He is enjoying a rich vein of form since winning in South Korea last month.
"Everything was pretty smooth except the bogey on the last. I'm not pressing the panic button. I'm just trying to recall my memories from winning here before," said the six-time winner on the Asian Tour.
"I know I won this tournament before but it all comes to routine and process."
Among other Indians in the fray, Shubhankar Sharma was tied 19th after posting a 71 that took his total to six-under 210.
Another Indian veteran Jyoti Randhawa shared the 24th spot with seven others on a 211 total following a 68 in the penultimate round.
Chiragh Kumar and S. Chikka were tied 35th and joint 49th, respectively.
--IANS
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