Shehzad surges to top at CNS Open Golf Championship

Golfer fires seven-under-par (65) on third day; Shabbir climbs to second after eight-under-par (64)

KARACHI:

The 27th Chief of Naval Staff Open Golf Championship continued its thrilling journey on the third day at the Karachi Golf Club, and it was a day of remarkable performances, with Muhammad Shehzad emerging as the new leader and the defending champion, Shabbir Iqbal, delivering a stunning display.

Shehzad, who had been holding the fourth position, made an extraordinary leap to the top of the leaderboard with an exceptional seven-under-par (65) in the third round. His three-day aggregate score now stands at an impressive 12-under-par (204). Shehzad's round was marked by six birdies on holes 1st, 2nd, 6th, 10th, 12th, and 17th, along with a sensational eagle on the 8th hole. Despite a lone bogey on the 7th hole, Shehzad's performance catapulted him into the lead.

Meanwhile, Shabbir was the star of the day after a scintillating eight-under-par (64) in the third round. His remarkable round included six birdies on the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 14th, 15th, and 18th holes, as well as an electrifying eagle on the 12th hole. Shabbir's incredible performance elevated him to second place, with a three-day aggregate of 11-under-par (205).

The leaders from the first two days, Ahmed Baig and Matloob Ahmed, couldn't maintain their top positions and finished the third round at third and fourth place, with aggregate scores of 206 and 208, respectively.

As the championship heads into its final day, all eyes will be on Shabbir, who is on track to defend his title if he maintains the same level of performance he displayed on day three.

In other categories, in the Amateurs division, Noman Ilyas is leading the scoreboard with a three-day aggregate of four-over-par (220), followed by Omar Khalid with an aggregate score of 10-over-par (226), and Arsalan Khan in third place with 12-over-par (228).

In the Ladies category, Aania Farooq leads with eight-over-par (80), followed by Humera Khalid with 10-over-par (82), and Abiha Hanim Syed with 11-over-par (83).

The final day promises more excitement and fierce competition as the golfers aim to secure their positions and etch their names in the history of the CNS Open Golf Championship.