Nakajima leads the Indian Championship with an advantage; McIlroy lags behind

Keita Nakajima poised for victory at the Indian DP World Championship

Japanese golfer Keita Nakajima showcased his skill on the course by completing a flawless round of 7 under par, with a card of 65 strokes, giving him a two-stroke lead at the DP World Championship in India after the third round on Saturday. Nakajima is in a favorable position to secure his second title on the European circuit. Nakajima, 25 years old and former world number one in the amateur ranking, has as his main contenders two European Ryder Cup stars: Tommy Fleetwood, who is in second place with a round of 69 strokes, and Shane Lowry, who follows closely in third place, also with 69 strokes. Rory McIlroy, ranked number 2 in the world and one of the most prominent figures at the Delhi Golf Club, achieved a round 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 his round with birdies on four of the first eight holes, and then strung together three consecutive birdies starting from the 12th hole, covering a combined distance of 70 feet, which allowed him to distance himself from Fleetwood, who at that moment was leading the competition. He remained calm and achieved pars on the remaining holes, thus preserving his leading position in his quest to obtain his first title on the circuit since March 2024, at the Hero Indian Open. The golfer revealed that the key 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 the standings at the start of the day, birdied two of the first three holes and the 8th hole, a par 5. His only bogey came on the 17th hole, after a three-putt from 30 feet, 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 complete control. You just have to enjoy it tomorrow. The final group is always great. You have to enjoy those moments. You don’t know when they’ll happen again.

Tommy Fleetwood