By Rahul Banerji
Reigning champion Manu Gandas turned in a course record 10-under-par 60 to open up a five-shot lead in the Telangana Golconda Masters at the Hyderabad Golf Association course on Thursday.
Gurgaon-based Gandas was on at 17-under 123 after two rounds while
Chandigarh’s Angad Cheema shot a seven-under 63 to share second place on 12-under 128 alongside amateur Milind Soni (65) of Hyderabad.
Soni, 17 and the lone amateur to make the cut, held on to his overnight place at the Rs. 40 lakh event.
Yashas Chandra of Mysore had a hole-in-one in his round of 65 to move into tied fourth on 11-under 129 along with Yuvraj Singh Sandhu (65).
The cut fell at level-par 140 with 53 professionals making the grade along with Soni.
Gandas (63-60), a three-time winner this season, had a second straight error-free round thanks to his outstanding driving and wedge-play.
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In all, he made 17 greens in regulation and nine out of 12 fairways to move up one spot from his overnight tied second position.
Accurate irons
Manu, who won his maiden title at last year’s event at the HGA, picked up three birdies on the front nine landing the ball within five feet all three times.
The 26-year-old then turned it up on the back nine as he collected seven birdies including three on the trot. Gandas landed it within five feet on four occasions and drove the green on the par-4 14th.
His longest putt came on the closing hole, from nine feet to improve upon Kapil Kumar’s round of nine-under from day one.
Manu said, “I felt I was in good rhythm today. I drove it really well and made five quality chip-putts.
“It’s great to be error-free for the first two days. My approach shots were also very good and I didn’t leave myself any long putts today.
“I have some very good memories of this course from last year when I won. That always helps. I’m also high on confidence as I’ve had a terrific season so far this year.”
Overnight leader Kapil Kumar of Delhi carded a 72 to slip to tied 12th on seven-under 133.
Hyderabad-based Sheikh Mohin, who missed the cut on four-over 144, also made a hole-in-one during his round of 72.
Also read: Kapil Kumar battles injury to lead Golconda Masters, Soni sizzles
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