Khalin Joshi Maintains Lead at Nava Raipur Open 2026 Amid Challenging Conditions

Khalin Joshi continues to lead the Nava Raipur Open 2026 after a challenging third round, where he managed a one-under 33. Despite difficult weather conditions, Joshi remains in contention for the title, with Angad Cheema closely trailing him. The tournament has seen impressive performances from several players, including a remarkable rise from Pritish Singh Karayat. As the final round approaches, the competition intensifies, promising an exciting finish. Read on to find out how the players are gearing up for the last stretch of this thrilling tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary Sep 18, 2026, 00:11 IST

Khalin Joshi's Steady Performance

In Nava Raipur, Chhattisgarh, Khalin Joshi carded a one-under 33 to keep a narrow one-shot lead after the third round of the inaugural Rs 1 crore SECL presents Nava Raipur Open 2026, held at the Fairway Golf & Lake Resort.

The 34-year-old golfer from Bengaluru, who had a two-stroke lead at the start of the day, recorded two birdies alongside his first bogey of the tournament, bringing his total to 10-under 92 as he heads into the final round, as reported by the tournament organizers.

Joshi, who has won twice on the DP World PGTI this season and currently ranks 12th in the Race to DP World India Championship, has only dropped one shot over the first 27 holes.

Due to heavy rainfall, the course was deemed unsuitable for full 18-hole play, leading the Tournament Committee to conduct all four rounds on the back nine.

Angad Cheema from Chandigarh emerged as Joshi's nearest competitor, moving up to second place with a bogey-free four-under 30, finishing the day at nine-under 93.

A total of seven players are tied for third at eight-under 94, with eight golfers within two shots of the lead as they approach the final nine holes.

Delhi's 18-year-old Pritish Singh Karayat made a significant leap, shooting a bogey-free five-under 29 to rise from a tie for 36th into a seven-way tie for third.

Karayat is joined by Anshul Patel from Ahmedabad, Badal Hossain from Bangladesh, Karan Pratap Singh from Faridabad, Veer Ahlawat from Gurugram, Umed Kumar from Chandigarh, and Raunil Kukar from Panchkula.

Kukar fell from a tie for second after finishing with a one-under 33.

Despite not feeling at his best, Joshi expressed satisfaction in maintaining his lead during a challenging day.

"I didn’t play my best today," Joshi remarked. "My driving was off, my approach shots weren’t close enough, and I struggled with my putting. I had many two-putts, but I managed to stay in the tournament. I’m still in contention and hope to play my best tomorrow."

Play was briefly halted due to rain and lightning, but Joshi bounced back after making his only bogey of the week on the 11th hole.

"The rain and lightning caused a delay of about 15 to 20 minutes," he explained. "I made a bogey on the 11th after a poor tee shot, but the break seemed to rejuvenate my game. I followed up with birdies on the 12th and 13th, which were the highlights of my day."

Looking ahead to the final round, Joshi anticipates an exciting competition with Cheema, a friend and former teammate.

"Angad and I know each other well and have teamed up in several events," Joshi noted. "We’ve played a lot of golf together, so there’s a good camaraderie between us. It should be an exciting battle, and I’m eager for both of us to give our best in the final round."