Thaindian News

New Delhi, March 23 (IANS) Mohammad Siddikur of Bangladesh produced a terrific and steady second round of five-under 67 to move into a three-way lead, even as India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar and young Ajeetesh Sandhu stayed in sight of the leaders at the SAIL Open golf here Wednesday.

Siddikur was tied in the lead with Akinori Tani of Japan and Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat at nine-under 135. Bhullar (69) and Sandhu (67) were one shot behind along with Prom Meesawat (68) of Thailand at 136 in the $300,000 event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGTI.

Local favourite Bhullar, a two-time Asian Tour champion, narrowly missed a hole-in-one on hole five when his tee shot landed two feet from the pin. With new irons in his golf bag, Bhullar is eyeing to make a move in the last two rounds.

“I have hit it very close over the last two days and I want to repeat this performance over the next two rounds,” said Bhullar.

Overnight leader Anirban Lahiri failed to mount a charge as he closed with a 71 for a 137 total, two strokes from the leaders. Highly rated Miguel Tabuena, 16, posted a 72 for a 141 total to make his first Asian Tour cut.

Siddikur, who has been in sensational form since winning the Brunei Open last year, posted three birdies in each half but slipped back with a bogey on the last hole.

“I’m happy with what I shot these two days. I have been playing well because I’ve been hitting good and my short game has been perfect. Everything seems to be falling into place for me,” said the 26-year-old.

Siddikur said India was like a second home to him. “I started my golf career on the PGTI and India feels like my second home. This is a very challenging course and every shot is very important especially the tee shot. I’m looking forward to the next two days,” he added.

Kiradech registered a hat-trick of birdies from the fourth hole before adding a bogey on the seventh hole. He recovered with a birdie on eight and tapped in for birdie on 17 followed by another three feet birdie on the last.

After making changes to his putting earlier this year, Kiradech believes he has found the missing link to winning his first Asian Tour title.

Tani, who earned his Asian Tour card in Qualifying School earlier this year, was wary of the tight fairways at the Delhi Golf Club but took the risk of using his driver on nine holes.

A total of 69 players made the halfway cut which was set at two-over-par 146.