ZCZC
BSP-06
GOLF-EPGA-FIJ
India’s Bhullar leads in Fiji as Els charges
WELLINGTON, Aug 4, 2018 (BSS/AFP) – Gaganjeet Bhullar held a one shot lead
after the third round of the Fiji International on Saturday as Ernie Els
began his charge at the Natadola Bay Golf Club.
Ben Campbell, who started the day with a four-shot lead, held on to top
spot for most of the day before a late stumble with a bogey and double bogey
saw him slip two shots off the pace.
Bhullar, seeking his first European Tour title after 106 starts, signed
for a 69 to get to eight under 208 and lead Australians Andrew Dodt, Jarryd
Felton, Jake McLeod and Terry Pilkadaris by one with Campbell a stroke
further back.
Four-time major winner Ernie Els closed at seventh with two birdies going
into the final day, only three strokes behind Bhullar.
Bhullar, who has had three top tens in his last four appearances, showed
excellent scrambling with just one bogey to go with four birdies in round
three.
“I had a great start to the day,” the 30-year-old Indian said.
“Despite the windy conditions, I kept the ball in play and actually I
holed a lot of really tricky putts today.”
McLeod shot a third-round 70, with Felton and Pilkadaris each registering
71, while two time European Tour winner Dodt was left frustrated after a
level par 72.
Campbell dropped three shots in his last three holes en route to a 77
while Els’ two-birdie finish gave him a 69.
The South African drawcard turned at level par before lifting his game
with gains on the 11th, 17th and 18th.
“It’s been a while so it’s very nice,” Els said.
“We’re having a good week, myself, my daughter, my wife — we’re enjoying
Fiji. The locals have been wonderful, everyone’s been great, so it’s nice to
play a tournament and actually have a sniff at it tomorrow.”
BSS/AFP/MR/ 1224 hrs