Thaindian News

Denarau (Fiji), Aug 17 (IANS) It was tough going for the Indian team, which Wednesday slipped from second to third position on the second day of the biennial Asia-Pacific Golf Championships for the Nomura Cup at the Nadatola Bay Club Golf course in Fiji.

Australia stayed on top with a second round total of 212, five worse than first round to lead at 419. They were 12 shots clear of South Korea, who jumped up leaderboard with 213, and from a 10-shot deficit against India, they moved to a three-shot lead at 431. India dropped to 226 for a total of 434 in third place. New Zealand 435 (211 + 224) were fourth and the Philippines 441 (213 + 228) were fifth.

The Indian quartet dropped to over par scores, as Abhijit Chadha and Khalin Joshi turned in cards of three-over 75 each. Chadha was even par for two rounds and Joshi was one-over, just as Chikkarangappa with a 76 was. Angad Cheema collapsed with an 83 to be 10-over after two rounds. In terms of individual standings, Chadha was tied eighth, while Chikka and Joshi were tenth and Cheema 37th.

As the scene shifted from Denarau Golf Club to Nadatola for the second round, the players struggled with the tough course conditions. The championship golf course had narrow fairways on a hilly track and its nearly waist-high elephant grass was very punishing when it came to errant shots. Wayward drives into the rough often meant lost balls. In addition, the pin positions were tough leading to high scores.

Chadha playing a cautious round was even par going out but dropped three strokes on the back nine for his 75. Khalin, teeing off from tenth, was two-over after 9 holes despite a couple of bad breaks. He steadied himself, but a three-putt on the seventh hole saw him finish at 75 and he was one over for 36 holes.

The leader was Australia’s Cameron Smith at six-under after two rounds.

Chikka, also a 10th Tee starter, was in control till the three-putt on 14th from a mere five feet. Then on 16th he missed the fairway and ended with a disastrous quadruple bogey that spoiled his round. He recovered mentally as he played the last 11 holes in one-under, but the damage had been done and ended with a 76. Angad Cheema needed 39 putts in his 83.