India’s Shaurya Bhattacharya has put himself in prime position at the Asian Tour Qualifying School after taking the outright lead heading into the final round. The 22-year-old from Delhi carded a five-under-par 66 on the A&B course at Lake View Resort & Golf Club to move to 16-under overall.

Bhattacharya leads by a single shot with one round remaining, as players battle for one of the 35 Asian Tour cards available for next season. The final round will be played on the C&D course, with 71 players advancing past the 72-hole cut at two under par.

Japan’s Tomohiro Ishizaka sits second after also signing for a 66 on A&B. The overnight leader remains firmly in contention at 15-under, while Mexico’s Roberto Lebrija is a further shot back in third following a 68.

Bhattacharya stays focused on breakthrough moment

Bhattacharya produced a composed round featuring six birdies against a single bogey. Despite limited experience on the Asian Tour, he has drawn confidence from his strong performances on the Professional Golf Tour of India.

The three-time winner, who has already claimed two victories this season, is seeking to earn his Asian Tour card for the first time. His amateur résumé includes representing India at the 2023 Eisenhower Trophy and the 2022 Nomura Cup, where he was among the country’s top-ranked players.

Bhattacharya said he plans to stick to his routine heading into the decisive final day. He added that managing his body has been a priority after competing for eight consecutive weeks.

Ishizaka and Lebrija keep pressure on

Ishizaka continued to impress with another solid display, maintaining momentum after leading overnight. The Japanese golfer, who competes on the Japan Golf Tour, revealed that Asian Tour Order of Merit winner Kazuki Higa encouraged him to test himself at Qualifying School.

Currently ranked 39th on this year’s Japan Golf Tour money list, Ishizaka said securing an Asian Tour card would be both a challenge and an opportunity to improve his game. He noted that conditions played differently but was encouraged by the consistency of his round heading into the finale.

Lebrija remains firmly in the mix despite a costly double bogey on the par-four 12th. The Mexican rebounded with a series of birdies and nearly holed an eagle putt on the fifth, ultimately posting a round he described as steady if unspectacular.

He said the final round will require balancing caution with ambition, as he looks to both secure his card and contend for the title. Lebrija added that familiarity with the C&D course gives him confidence heading into the closing day.

Canadian Henry Lee fired a 67 to sit fourth at 13-under, three shots off the lead. China’s Lin Yuxin is fifth at 12-under after also carding a 67.

With only one round remaining, the Asian Tour Qualifying School is set for a tense finale as players chase life-changing opportunities and a place on next season’s tour.