Greater Noida, Oct. 10 -- Shubhankar Sharma returned an even-par 72 to retain a two-shot lead after the third round of the Rs 2 crore Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.

The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer (68-65-72), who began the day with a four-stroke advantage, mixed five birdies with three bogeys and a double bogey to remain at 11-under 205 heading into the final round, according to a press release from the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship.

Bengaluru's Manoj S (70-71-66) and Italy's Michele Ortolani (72-70-65) emerged as Shubhankar's closest challengers at nine-under 207.

Manoj climbed from sixth to tied second after a bogey-free 66 with six birdies. Ortolani rose...