Randhawa 35th, Chadha Slips, Frenchman Rozner in Three-way Lead

Bel Ombre (Mauritius), Dec 7 (PTI) India's Jyoti Randhawa held on to his tied 35th place with a two-under after an "up-and-down" penultimate day for the seasoned golfer in the AfrAsia Bank Mauritius Open here on Saturday.

Randhawa was seven-under for the tournament.

Abhijit Singh Chadha, who had a bit of a shoulder issue, slipped to tied 41st after a one-under with birdies on the second, ninth and eighteenth and bogeys on the first and thirteenth holes. The 28-year-old Chadha, coming off a third-place finish at the Kensville Open last week, was six-under for the tournament.

Randhawa made five birdies and three bogeys for a sub-par total of 70 at the Heritage Golf Club, hosting the fifth edition of the tri-sanctioned European, Asian and Sunshine Tours' Euro 1 million event.

The 47-year-old Randhawa, an eight-time winner on the Asian Tour, made birdies on the second, fourth, sixth, eighth and fifteenth and had bogeys on the fifth, seventh and ninth holes.

"Actually I was playing a little slow today so we were on the clock. Coming out after such a long time and playing such fast golf, my tempo got off especially in the back nine. Yes, it wasn't as good as I wanted to, few missed drives, up-and-down and was also a bit unlucky. But anyday, under-par is good, I am not complaining," Randhawa said after finishing his round.

Udayan Mane was placed tied 65th while Viraj Madappa was tied 70th.

Antoine Rozner improved his chances to claim his maiden title on the European Tour as well as become the first French winner of the tournament as he headed into Sunday's final round in a three-way tie for the lead.

Rozner signed for a 66 in Saturday's third round to finish the day tied for the lead with Belgium's Thomas Detry (67) and Scotland's Calum Hill (68) on 16 under par.

But the leaderboard remained tightly packed as they led by only one stroke over Danish teenager Rasmus Hojgaard and American Sihwan Kim.

And with European Tour Rolex Series winner Brandon Stone just two shots back and another European Tour champion in Christiaan Bezuidenhout three off the lead, it's set to be a thrilling final round.

But Rozner in particular has shown himself to be more than capable of standing up to what this golf course and the field can throw at him.

"I had an amazing start to my round. That front nine was probably the best golf I've played this week," he said of his three birdies and an eagle to go out in 31.

"I'm very happy with the score and I'll take six-under anytime."

The two-time winner on the Challenge Tour this year has adapted easily to the rigors of the main tour and was quite calm throughout his third round as he played his way into contention.

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