Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, 15-12-2017
Abhijit Singh Chadha is halfway leader at 16th TATA Open 2017
Anura Rohana's staggering 10-under-61 moves him to tied second along with Mukesh Kumar; Hole-in-one by Aditya Bhandarkar
Chandigarh’s Abhijit Singh Chadha emerged leader in round two of the 16th TATA Open 2017 courtesy a flawless seven-under-64 that took his total to 13-under-129 at the Rs. 1 crore event.
Sri Lankan Anura Rohana produced the best round of the tournament so far, a staggering 10-under-61, to move into tied second at 12-under-130 along with three-time former champion Mukesh Kumar (65) of Mhow.
Abhijit Singh Chadha (65-64), lying overnight tied fourth at the scenic Golmuri Golf Course, earned his place on top of the leaderboard after a sizzling round that featured three birdies on the back-nine and four more on the front-nine.
The 26-year-old Chadha, a two-time winner on the PGTI, made some quality chip-putts on the back-nine and followed that up with a couple of long conversions on the front-nine.
Abhijit, a member of the Indian team that won a silver medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, said, “My hitting was okay but I putted really well. I holed a number of putts which is not easy here because the greens are tricky.
“I’m 18th on the Order of Merit but feel I can make move up further with a strong finish to the year, especially after this round. Putting will be the key over the next two days since it’s not a very long course.”
Anura Rohana’s (69-61) unbelievable 61 propelled him from overnight tied 43rd to tied second place. The seasoned 44-year-old, who won on the PGTI earlier this year, made a charge early in the day with birdies on the second, third and fourth.
Colombo-resident Anura picked up two more shots before the turn and followed that up with an eagle and four birdies on the back-nine. Rohana played some excellent approach and wedge shots to land it within five feet on seven occasions.
“My ball-striking was the best part of my game today and even my putting was much better compared to round one. The birdies I enjoyed the most were the two long putts on the third and the eighth. I didn’t think too much about the score today and just kept up the intensity throughout.
“I got a new iron set recently, which is working for me. I’m looking at a total of 17 to 18-under for the week in order to have a chance to win.
“I’m inspired by the fact that my countryman and friend Mithun Perera had won the 2012 edition of the TATA Open. I want to be the second Sri Lankan after Mithun to win this prestigious tournament,” said a confident Rohana.
Mukesh Kumar shot a second straight 65 at his happy hunting ground to join Rohana in tied second place.
Kolkata’s Raju Ali Mollah (65) was a further shot back in fourth place at 11-under-131.
Viraj Madappa of Kolkata, the round one leader, slipped to tied 23rd at six-under-136 after a round of 74 on Friday.
The cut was declared at two-under-140 with 59 players making it to the money rounds.
Pune’s Aditya Bhandarkar missed the cut by two shots but made a hole-in-one on the seventh during his round of 73.
The Jamshedpur trio of professional Karan Taunk (four-over-146) and amateurs Navtez Singh (even-par-142) and Kurush Heerjee (five-over-147), missed the cut.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Srinivasan H R (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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