Settee Prakongvech moved a step closer to a breakthrough victory after taking sole possession of the lead at the IGPL Bharath Classic. The Thai golfer heads into the final round with momentum on his side after separating himself from the chasing pack in Morocco.

Saturday, June 6, proved to be another productive day for the Bangkok native, who assembled a four-under-par 68 to reach 13-under overall. His steady play allowed him to create breathing room atop the leaderboard as the tournament approached its conclusion.

The 31-year-old has been searching for his first Asian Tour title since turning professional in 2014. While opportunities on the par-five holes were limited, Prakongvech found enough scoring chances elsewhere to strengthen his position entering championship Sunday.

“I missed like a five-foot putt on the third and then again on the 18th. Both are par-five holes,” Prakongvech said.

“Everything felt the same as yesterday. I hit my tee shots very well, and hit my approach shots good, but I missed some short putts. It’s okay…the game is still in good shape.”

Chasers remain close

Overnight co-leader Runchanapong Youprayong slipped back after a late double bogey left him with a round of 71. Despite the setback, he remained firmly in contention and shared second place at 10-under.

Sweden’s Charlie Lindh joined him after producing one of the strongest performances of the day. The three-time Nordic Golf League champion carded a 67 and continued the form that recently helped him secure a runner-up finish at the Kolon Korea Open.

“It was a really good start to the day. We said when we came out that we need to be ready from the first hole to make birdies,” Lindh said.

“I still played good despite the dropped shots. I had a lot of chances coming in, it was just that the putts dropped on the front nine, but got a couple back on the last few holes.”

Youprayong remained optimistic about his chances despite losing ground during the third round. The Thai golfer believes consistency and patience will be key when the tournament reaches its final stages.

“I’m just going to keep playing the way I played for the past couple of weeks, and hopefully, some putts will drop tomorrow,” Youprayong said.

Final round awaits

England’s Sam Broadhurst surged into contention after matching the lowest round of the day with a seven-under 65. His strong performance lifted him into a share of fourth place alongside Thailand’s Poom Saksansin at nine-under.

American Charles Porter also posted a 65 to climb into a tie for sixth place. He was joined at eight-under by MJ Maguire, Steve Lewton and Ian Snyman, who continues to build momentum following recent success on the Asian Tour.

Karandeep Kochhar remained the highest-placed representative from the Indian Golf Premier League contingent after a round of 70. Morocco’s Ayoub Lguirati also maintained his position as the leading local player with another steady effort.

“I played solid, hit the ball well off tee to green, and holed a couple of putts, which didn’t happen yesterday, so that was the main difference,” Broadhurst said.

With one round remaining, the IGPL Bharath Classic remains open to several contenders. Prakongvech may hold the advantage, but a crowded leaderboard ensures the final day will determine who leaves Morocco with the title.