Ali Sher, twice Classic Indian Open champion, had a round of three under 69 under difficult conditions today. The golfer was level par till the 14th hole, but registered birdies on the 15th, 16th and the 18th holes. The last birdie was a five-foot putt against stiff wind. Ali Sher now shares the second spot with Rajeev Mohta, Shiv Shanker Chawrasia and Indrajit Bhalotia, all aggregating four over 220.

Basad Ali played another round of consistent golf to bring back par round. He is now way ahead of the pack with three under 213.

"I am very confident of winning the tournament," Basad said at the end of the third round. "With a seven stroke advantage, it is difficult for the others to catch up with me."

Basad's nephew Yousuf Ali, who was at the second spot yesterday, fell back to the third place after a fourover 76 today. Classic India Open champion Firoz Ali, suffering from a viral infection, almost called it quits after nine holes today. However, he continued to return a five over 77. He now aggregates seven over 223.

Rajeev Mohta dropped two strokes today to aggregate four over 220 after 54 holes. Crompton Greaves winner Indrajit Bhalotia improved after two mediocre days to register his first sub-par round. Bhalotia finished the day with one under 71. His earlier rounds scores were 75 and 74.

"Yesterday evening I was studying my earlier rounds on the video and noticed that I was crouching while swinging," Bhalotia said. "I corrected this error and my game improved tremendously."

Young Shiv Shanker Prasad Chowrasia too had a one under 71 today, a round which once again showed his fluctuating form. His finest 18 holes saw him at the top with one under 71. The next day, he dropped six strokes before the sub-par round today.

The leader on the first day, Rafiq Ali had a poor round of three over 75.Aggregating six over 222, Rafiq is at the seventh spot.

Scores: 213 Basad Ali, 220 Rajeev Mohta, Ali Sher, Shiv Shanker Prasad Chowrasia, Indrajit Bhalotia, 221 Yousuf Ali, 222 Rafiq Ali, 223 Firoz Ali, 225 Sanjay Kumar.