Bhubaneswar: Hitaashee Bakshi continued her impressive run at the Hero Women’s Indian Open, surviving a dramatic third round to retain her lead heading into the final day. Despite a mix of birdies, bogeys, and a double bogey, the 19-year-old showcased grit and composure to card a one-under 71, taking her total to nine-under 207 — three shots clear of England’s Alice Hewson.
Bakshi’s round was far from straightforward. After an early birdie, she stumbled with a double bogey on the 7th but fought back with back-to-back birdies on the back nine. A nerve-testing par save on the 18th hole ensured she stayed firmly in control of the leaderboard.
Meanwhile, Hewson’s steady 70 kept her in contention, while Sweden’s Elin Arvidsson and Spain’s Ana Pelaez Trivino shared third at six-under.
Among the home contingent, India’s strong showing continued with five players in the top 20. Pranavi Urs (-4), Avani Prashanth (-3), Vani Kapoor (-2), and amateur Zara Anand (E) all produced confident performances to keep Indian hopes alive.
With one round to play, Bakshi stands on the brink of a breakthrough win on home soil. “It wasn’t my best round, but I stayed patient. Tomorrow’s about keeping calm and finishing strong,” she said after her round.
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