The third round of Bank AL Habib’s 15th Rashid D. Habib Memorial National Professional Golf Tournament saw defending champion Ahmad Baig (RPG) surge to the top of the leaderboard with a superb 67 (-5), bringing his three-day total to 208 (-8). Baig’s round was highlighted by eagles on holes 3 and 17, alongside a bogey-free back nine, reaffirming his reputation as one of Pakistan’s most consistent performers.

Close behind, Waheed Baloch (KGC) delivered a brilliant 67 (-5), climbing into second place at 210 (-6). His round featured birdies on 2, 5, 11, and 18, showcasing his mastery of the Karachi Golf Club layout and keeping him firmly in contention heading into the final day.

Hamza Taimur Amin (RGCC) posted a steady 72 (E) to sit third at 212 (-4). Despite birdies on the front nine, a costly double bogey on hole 10 stalled his momentum, but Amin remains within striking distance.

Momentum shifted against Muhammad Minhaj Maqsood Waraich (RGC), who had led after Round Two. An 80 (+8) dropped him to 218 (+2), underlining the demanding nature of Karachi Golf Club’s layout.

The chasing pack includes seasoned campaigners Muhammad Ashfaq (Airmen) and Muhammad Shabbir (MGGC), both tied at 213 (-3), while Zubair, Alam, and Matloob Ahmed are clustered at 214 (-2), ensuring a tightly packed leaderboard as the tournament heads into its final round.

Among Senior Professionals, Muhammad Tariq (ICGC), Muhammad Nazir (RGC), and Talib Hussain (ICGC) are tied at the top with identical scores of 67 (-5), each completing 18 holes.

In the Junior Professionals division, Muhammad Kashif (DHA) leads with 72 (-1), while Karan Masih (RGC), Rehan Baber (LGG), and Zain Ullah (OGC) are tied at 76 (+4), keeping the contest competitive.

Humna Amjad (RGCC) tops the Ladies Professional leaderboard with a 78 (+6), ahead of Ana James Gill (RGCC) at 87 (+15).

With 106 professionals starting on Day One and 52 making the cut, the third round has set up a thrilling finale. Tomorrow, Sunday 1st February, the final round will decide the champion.