Mukesh Kumar played a sublime round of five-under 67, warding off strong winds and the rest of the field to surge into the lead at a tally of 11-under 205 on day three of the Sir Padampat Singhania Open 2004 being played at the Noida Golf Course.

The Rs 700,000 event forms the 14th leg of the Hero Honda Golf Tour.

Delhi Golf Club pro Ashok Kumar was positioned second on the leader-board, three strokes behind Mukesh with a three day tally of eight-under 208.

Another Delhi golfer Gast Ram occupied the third place at 210.

Mukesh created magic with his putter as he made only 22 putts in his entire round.

"My putting was absolutely flawless today; I am extremely pleased with my effort," said the visibly happy player. He carded a total of seven birdies today, four of which came on the front nine. The back nine saw him record birdies on the 12th, 14th and 17th.

The Mhow-based pro made two bogies in his round, the first of which came on the par three third hole when his tee shot found the bunker on the right. After getting on to the green, Mukesh missed an easy ten-foot putt to drop a stroke. On the 16th his tee shot found the bunker yet again following which a missed downhill putt cost him another stroke.

Meanwhile, second-placed Ashok made a well-compiled three under 69, which included six birdies and three bogies. Ashok, who was leading the Money List two weeks ago, is currently placed fourth on the Order of Merit. A  win here this week could serve his cause rather well.

"I am completely satisfied with my game and enjoyed myself on the course today," smiled the Delhi pro who incidentally won his first professional title on this very golf course at the Noida Open 2002.

Chirag leads: Among the amateurs, Chirag Kumar played a round of four-over 76 to retain his lead, while Simarjeet Singh was placed second at 222.

Scores (after 54 holes): 205_Mukesh Kumar(69,69,67); 208_Ashok Kumar(69,70,69); 210_Gast Ram(70,68,72); 212_SSP Chowrasia (70,73,69); 213_ Rafiq Ali (70,74,69), Yusuf Ali (70,73,70); 214_Digvijay Singh (71,70,73), Pappan (70,68,76).

Amateurs: 219_Chirag Kumar(71,72,76); 222_ Simarjeet Singh (74,73,75).