Nakajima Leads India Championship with Advantage: Fleetwood Pursues Title

Keita Nakajima Takes the Lead at the Hero Indian Open

Japanese golfer Keita Nakajima demonstrated his skill at the DP World India Championship, completing an impeccable round of 7 under par, with an impressive 65, which positioned him at the top of the leaderboard after Saturday’s third round. Nakajima, with this performance, is approaching his second title on the European circuit. Nakajima, 25, and previously ranked as the best amateur, has as his closest competitors two European Ryder Cup stars: Tommy Fleetwood, who is in second place with 69 strokes, and Shane Lowry, one stroke away in third position, also with 69. Rory McIlroy, world number 2 and one of the main attractions 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 started strong, achieving birdies on four of the first eight holes, and then chained three consecutive birdies from the 12th hole, surpassing Fleetwood, who was leading at that moment. He remained calm and achieved pars on the remaining holes to secure the first position in his quest for his first title on the circuit since March 2024, at the Hero Indian Open. Nakajima revealed that the secret to his successful third 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. His only bogey came on the 17th hole, but he recovered with a birdie on the last hole, securing his place in the final group.

Keita is not far enough away to have full control. Tomorrow, enjoy. Being in the final group is always great. You have to enjoy those moments, because you don’t know when they will happen again.

Tommy Fleetwood