Abu Dhabi: Gaganjeet Bhullar has a fair chance of staking his claim on Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf as the Indian golfer is just two strokes away from the leader Craig Lee after the third round of the European Tour event here.
Bhullar carded a flawless six-under 66 and moved up through the field from overnight tied 13th to tied third in the company of five-time Major winner, Phil Mickelson (63) with a score of 10-under 202.
However, Bhullar and Mickelson gained a place to tied second, following the two shots penalty handed out to Rory McIlroy (70) for an incorrect drop, which pushed the former World No. 1 to the fourth spot at nine-under 207.
Now Scotland's Craig (69) at 12-under is ahead of Bhullar and Mickelson. Bhullar and Mickelson will likely play together with the leader Lee in lead group on the final day.
The European Tour Chief Referee John Paramor explained, "Rory's ball came to rest in a marked gallery crosswalk to the left of the second fairway from which relief is available under the rules, as if it's a piece of ground under repair. "He found what he thought to be his nearest point of relief where the ball was outside and when he dropped the ball within a club's length, when he actually stood to the ball, his left foot was standing on or just over the line demarking the area of ground under repair which is treated as part of the ground under repair.
"Therefore he has not taken full relief and he is in breach of the Rule 25/1, the penalty for which is two strokes," Paramor added.
Bhullar had six birdies, four of them on front nine on first, second, sixth and eighth. Then he added two more on 11th and 15th.
Mickelson had a stunning nine-under 63 which also included two bogeys and an eagle. He had nine other birdes, four on front nine and five on the second half. Leader Lee had five birdies and two bogeys.
After finishing his third round, Bhullar said: "I saw a lot of familiar faces on the back nine. There were quite a few Indian supporters walking and following me. It kind of really motivates me and hope to see these guys coming out in a big number tomorrow."Bhullar was ecstatic about his performance.
"Absolutely, that feels really nice. Ever since I've arrived here, I've been striking the ball really good. I knew that I could go low, and thankfully today was one of my lucky days," said the 25-year-old Indian.
"I had a lot of good breaks, putted really well and gave myself a lot of opportunities of making birdies and I guess at the end of the day I'm quite happy with 66."
On the possibility of a pairing with some of the best players in the world, Bhullar said: "It's a great feeling. Last year (at CIMB Classic and WGC) I got paired up with a lot of the big names in the world and it was quite good. You get to learn a lot of new stuff about yourself, about the game, and I think it will be one of those enjoyable Sundays."
Bhullar added: "I need to get used to it. There is no other way out. Last year I got paired up with a lot of world-class names and now I think it's time for me to upgrade my game and get mentally used to playing with these guys."
When asked if he believed that he can go out tomorrow and beat these guys and win this tournament, Bhullar said: "Absolutely, at the end of the day it is another 72-hole stroke-play event, and I think that if I have done five times in Asia, why can't I do it on The European Tour."
On his third round play, Bhullar said: "I played really well today. I hit about maybe 16 greens in regulation. I really hit the ball good off the tee and really enjoyed hitting a lot of greens in regulation. I made two or three good par saves and I think that kept me going."
About his first year on European Tour, he said, "I've enjoyed a lot of success on The Asian Tour, and I think right now it's time to focus on The European Tour. It feels really good to be a full member on The European Tour and I'm going to try to give my hundred percent tomorrow.
"I've played enough on European soil and I've played quite a few European Tour events the last few years, and just working hard and hoping for the best to happen."
