Mumbai, Nov 27 (IANS) Mukesh Kumar of Mhow and Bangalore’s C. Muniyappa, the Indian Open champion, emerged joint leaders at 11 under 159 after round three of the Aircel-PGTI’s Crompton Greaves Open golf.

Mukesh carded a four-under-60 in round three while Muniyappa returned two under 62 in the Rs. 80 lakh event at the Willingdon Sports Club.

Australia’s Kunal Bhasin and Delhi golfer Shamim Khan were tied third at 10 under 160.

Mukesh (51, 48, 60), the 2007-08 Aircel-PGTI Order of Merit winner, shot into contention with a solid round of four under Friday.

Mukesh, who was in fifth place after round two, came up with some great bunker shots to set up birdie putts within four feet on the fourth, fifth, 12th and 18th. The 44-year-old also hit it quite close on the ninth, 11th and 14th, the other holes where he picked up birdies. He bogeyed the eighth, 10th and 16th.

‘I hit some really good bunker shots today. I also had a couple of outstanding tee shots on the ninth and 11th, both of which landed within six feet of the pin. However, I felt I made too many bogeys,’ said Mukesh.

Muniyappa (49, 48, 62) made six birdies against four bogeys in his round of 62. He hit an amazing four-iron second shot to within four feet to make birdie on the first. He then chipped-in from the left edge on the ninth for another remarkable birdie.

‘I had an average round and made too many bogeys for my liking. The chip-in on the ninth and the approach shot on the first were the best moments of the day for me. I was trying to attack the pins but did not hit it well and missed far too many greens,’ said Muniyappa who was overnight tied second.

Kunal Bhasin and Shamim Khan were tied third at 10 under 160 while Gurki Shergill, Feroz Ali Mollah, Harmeet Kahlon and Shaquill Shane lay tied fifth at eight under 162.