DHAKA, Bangladesh, December 18 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s leading amateur golfer Dhanushan Kumar produced a strong and timely response under pressure, firing the day’s second-best score to climb into the top eight at the end of the penultimate round of the 39th Bangladesh Amateur Golf Championship, which continued at the Kurmitola Golf Club in Dhaka on Thursday.
Kumar showed control, patience and smart course management as he returned a four-over-par 76, the lowest score of the third round. It was a clear statement after two difficult opening days and highlighted his ability to recover when it mattered most.
After rounds of 79 and 78, the Sri Lankan golfer improved sharply on Day Three to finish with a total gross of 233, standing at 17 over par after 54 holes. That effort lifted him to eighth place on the leaderboard in the 72-hole championship, keeping him firmly in contention heading into the final round.
The third round proved decisive across the field, with several players tightening their grip on the leaderboard. Munna Mia of Kurmitola Golf Club and Abu Bokor Siddik shared the lead on 225 gross, both at nine over par, after matching 76s on Day Three. Close behind them, Sharif Hossain (227) and Sohel Rana (228) kept the pressure on, while consistency rather than brilliance shaped the top ten.
Kumar’s round stood out not only for the score but also for its timing. On a course that punished mistakes and demanded discipline, he avoided big numbers and capitalised on scoring chances, a sign of growing maturity at international level. His move into the top eight also made him the best-placed Sri Lankan in the championship so far.
Meanwhile, Sri Lanka’s other contender Sundaram Dhuwarshan faced a tough day. He carded a gross 85 in the third round and slipped to a total of 251, finishing 35 over par. Despite making the 49-player cut, he remained well down the leaderboard and out of contention for the top places.
With one round remaining, all eyes will be on Kumar as he looks to build on his momentum. A strong final round could see the Sri Lankan push further up the standings and finish the championship on a high note in Dhaka.
