Shubhankar Sharma Struggles in Third Round at European Masters

Sharma's Performance Dips in Round Three

Shubhankar Sharma faced challenges on the third day of the European Masters after two strong initial rounds. The 30-year-old, who has won twice on the DP World Tour, recorded scores of 64 and 68 in the first two rounds but faltered with a 74 in the third. This performance dropped him to a tie for 50th place. After being tied for second on the first day and eighth on the second, Sharma's round included two birdies, two bogeys, and two double bogeys, leading to his decline in the standings.

Paul Casey Takes the Lead in Crans Montana

Paul Casey surged ahead with a three-shot lead going into the final round at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club. Starting the day four shots behind, the English golfer delivered an impressive performance, carding a 63 to reach a total of sixteen under par. After two pars to begin, he ignited his round with a birdie at the par-three third, which initiated a streak of six birdies over seven holes, allowing him to turn at 29 and establish a solid lead at 15 under.

The 49-year-old adeptly managed the changing wind conditions on the back nine, with only one mistake at the par-five 14th, where his second shot landed in the water. He quickly recovered with a birdie on the next hole and capped off his round with another birdie, extending his lead to three shots ahead of the final day. As a 15-time DP World Tour champion, Casey aims for another title, planning to donate his prize money to Foundation Beloved, a charity aiding those affected by the New Year’s Day tragedy in Crans-Montana.

Chasing Competitors Remain Competitive

Maximilian Steinlechner from Austria and Erik Van Rooyen are among those in pursuit, both having shot rounds of 63 to tie for second place, alongside Spanish players Eugenio Chacarra and Nacho Elvira, who are at 13 under par. Steinlechner achieved a bogey-free round, securing five birdies on the front nine and two more on the back. Van Rooyen's round included nine birdies and two bogeys. Chacarra and Elvira also kept themselves in contention with rounds of 65 and 68, respectively, as they aim for victory in the 2026 Race to Dubai.