Akshay slips at end of Round 3 but Scheffler moves into sole lead

Indian American golfer Akshay Bhatia lost a chance to bid for a Top-10 finish after carding a two-over 74 on the third day at the 88th Augusta Masters in Augusta.

The 22-year-old, who won the Valero Texas Open last week, suffered a three-shot loss in a matter of two holes on 16-17 when a under-par round seemed his for taking at the Augusta National.

Bhatia (72-75-74), already a twice winner on the PGA Tour, was 5-over and T-28, while another Indian American Sahith Theegala shot a third straight 74 to get to six-over and T-36.

“This is seven weeks in a row for me playing. It’s just a lot of golf. Then when you come to a major last minute, especially with the highs of winning, it’s pretty challenging,” said Bhatia when asked about mental fatigue.

“So it’s something I haven’t learned to do yet. When I won, I had a week off. Coming to Augusta National is really hard, and trying to prepare but not too much, it’s just a fine balance.” World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler played a roller-coaster of a back nine with two each of birdies and bogeys, besides an eagle and a double in his second nine. With 66-72-71, he is now 7-under and in sole lead.