Nakajima Dominates in India: Leads with a 2-Stroke Advantage After the Third Round

Keita Nakajima Closes in on Victory at the DP World India Championship

Japanese golfer Keita Nakajima had a flawless round with 65 strokes (-7) without bogeys, taking the lead at the DP World India Championship after Saturday’s third round. His second title on the European circuit is in sight. Nakajima, 25 years old and former amateur world number one, has two European Ryder Cup stars as his main competitors. Tommy Fleetwood (69) is in second place, while Shane Lowry (69) is one stroke behind, in third position. Rory McIlroy, world number 2 and the main attraction at the Delhi Golf Club, signed a card of 68 strokes and is tied for 15th place, seven strokes behind the leader, heading into the final round.

I’m probably two shots away from having a realistic chance.

Rory McIlroy

Nakajima birdied four of the first eight holes, and then strung together three in a row starting from the 12th hole, surpassing Fleetwood, who was leading at that moment. He made pars on the remaining holes to maintain the lead, seeking his first title on the circuit since March 2024, at the Hero Indian Open. According to Nakajima, the key to his good round was observing his playing partner, Lowry.

I love the rhythm of his swing, and I copied it. That’s why my swing [was] better than yesterday. And the mentality was great.

Keita Nakajima

Fleetwood, who led at the start of the day, birdied two of the first three holes and on the 8th hole (par 5). His only bogey came on the 17th hole, after three putts from 30 feet, but he recovered with a birdie on the last hole to secure his place in the final group.

Keita is not far enough away to have complete control. You just have to enjoy tomorrow. The final group is always great. You have to enjoy those moments. You don’t know when they will happen again.

Tommy Fleetwood