Ashok in the hunt for maiden Asian title,Bhullar lurks

If Bhullar manages to pull it off,this will be his first Asian Tour title in India.

Just like Siddikurs last-hole birdie took her to sole lead on Friday,a 15-footer putt on the final 18th helped Ashok Kumar jump to the top spot,after the third round of the Panasonic Open India. His three day total of 8-under 208 gave him a one-shot lead going into the final round,but close behind is two-time Asian Tour winner Gaganjeet Bhullar.

Ashok has a spectacular record in India,including five back-to-back titles in 2004 and more than 20 domestic tournaments,but hasnt yet notched up an international win. He came close at the SAIL-SBI Open last month,where he finished sixth. The winner of the PGTI order of merit at the end of 2010,is understandably not making tall claims. The target is too far,It still needs 18 holes of consistent golf. I have calmed myself down compared to my earlier style,I focus more on each shot and Im not thinking about the title, Ashok said.

With a three-day total of 7-under 209,Bhullar is right on the heels of the leader. In the middle of a rough patch since the second half of 2011,Bhullar is leading an Asian Tour tournament going into the final round after a long time. He was in sole lead for some time in the third round but a bogey on the 14th his first after 24 blemish-free holes cost him top place and he has trailed since. I feel I have the edge because when I start on Sunday,I will know that I have won such tournaments before and I can do it off again, Bhullar said.

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If Bhullar manages to pull it off,this will be his first Asian Tour title in India. With Kolkatas Shankar Das behind Bhullar at 6-under,and Manav Jaini and Digivijay Singh at tied 4,an Indian winner looks quite likely on Sunday.

Leaderboard: 208 – Ashok Kumar (IND) 70-69-69,209 – Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND) 72-67-70,210 – Shankar Das (IND) 70-69-71,211 – Digvijay Singh (IND) 70-73-68,Wade Ormsby (AUS) 73-67-71,Manav Jaini (IND) 72-67-72,Siddikur (BAN) 71-67-73

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