Que just 3 strokes off India lead

BENGALURU, India—Angelo Que remained in contention for a first Asian Tour title this year by shooting a 2-under-par 69 to move three strokes behind leader Richie Ramsay of Scotland after 54 holes of the Hero Indian Open Saturday.

A three-time Asian Tour winner, the Filipino shotmaker had a three-round total of 8-under 205 to join a three-way tie for  sixth, just three shots off Ramsay, who carded a 70 for a 202 aggregate at the Karnataka Golf Association course, which is hosting the approximately $1.25-million event for the first time.

Que, who had earlier rounds of 68-68, was even par at the turn then birdied the 11th and 12th holes as he sustained his drive to improve on his tie for sixth place in the Venetian Macau Open last week. He was tied with Thais Chapchai Nirat (70)  and Arnond Vonvanij (67).

Jaako Makitalol of Finland shot a 68 and moved up to second at 203, just a stroke ahead of Thailand’s Panuphol Pittayarat (69) and Thaworn Wiratchant (67) and England’s James Morrison (67).

After opening with successive 66s, Ramsay, a two-time winner in Europe, somewhat cooled off with nines of 34-36. He was actually 2-under for the day but bogeyed the 17th hole.

Ramsay, who is playing on a sponsor’s invitation, knows it will be a close race with six players within three shots off the lead.

“I actually played nice. I found it tough to play with the wind blowing all over the place. I needed to make some putts which I didn’t. It was a case of being close but not close enough today,” said Ramsay.

“It is surprising to be leading in a tournament with the way I putted. If I can putt better, then I think there’s a better score out there,” he added.

Makitalo, a graduate from Qualifying School, eagled the par five 11th hole for the second successive day after hitting his hybrid to four feet from the hole. He could have shared the lead if not for a bogey on the last.  Asian Tour News