Visakhapatnam

India’s Khalin Joshi extended his lead to three shots after carding a one-under 70 in the third round of the Andhra Open 2026 at the East Point Golf Club on Thursday.

The Bengaluru-based golfer, a six-time winner, now stands at seven-under 206 (68-68-70) and holds a comfortable advantage heading into the final round of the Rs 1 crore Andhra Open 2026, part of the Professional Golf Tour of India.

Dubai-based Yash Majmudar (71-69-69) and Delhi’s Rashid Khan (70-72-67) are tied for second at four-under 209. Rashid delivered the day’s best round of 67 to move into contention, while Majmudar returned a steady 69.

Joshi, currently ranked 55th on the PGTI Order of Merit, is in a strong position to end his four-year title drought, with his last win coming in 2022. A victory here would mark his seventh professional title.

Despite a shaky start that included three early three-putts, Joshi recovered impressively. He sank a tap-in birdie on the seventh and followed it up with a crucial eagle on the par-5 12th after converting a 15-foot putt.

“I didn’t get off to a good start, but I stayed patient and trusted my ball-striking. I’m driving it well and hitting my irons solid, so I just need to keep the putter going,” Joshi said, expressing confidence ahead of the final round.

Among other contenders, Viraj Madappa (69-71-71) and Arjun Sharma (Indian golfer) were tied fourth at two-under 211.

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With a three-shot cushion, Joshi will look to maintain composure in the final round as he aims to seal the title.