By Rahul Banerji
Angad Cheema moved into the joint lead with Yashas Chandra M.S. and PGTI rookie Michele Ortolani in round two of the Rs 1 crore Nissan Chandigarh Open on Thursday.
The local golfer carded a 5-under 67, Mysore’s Chandra hit a 66 and overnight joint leader Ortolani returned a 69, all three totalling 11 under par 133s at the Chandigarh Golf Club.
Chandigarh-based Gaganjeet Bhullar (67) was in fourth position, one shot off the lead, the PGTI said.
Ajeetesh Sandhu (71) and Karandeep Kochhar (72) on 7 under 137 were the other local professionals in the top 10.
Jeev Milkha Singh (73) was in a share of 32nd on 2 under 142 while his 14-year-old son Harjai followed an impressive first round of 71 with a 74 on day two to total 1-over 145.
The teenager narrowly missed the cut that came at level par 144 with 60 professionals making it to the money rounds.
Tied for fifth overnight two shots back, Cheema (66-67) started strongly, making a 10-foot birdie putt on the first and a 20-foot eagle conversion on the second to get his round going.
The consistent 34-year-old who was fifth in the order of merit last year, then added three more birdies against one dropped shot before closing out with a 12-foot birdie conversion.
Steady going
“It was a steady round barring one mistake on the 14th,” Cheema said. “I’m looking to make the most of my good form at my home course.
“I started well and that kept the momentum going. The rest was all about keeping it as simple as possible. I feel I have a good understanding of my game at the moment and that is helping me perform well.”
Yashas Chandra (67-66), tied eighth overnight had a bogey-free 66, the day’s joint lowest round, to gain seven places. His round featured four birdie conversions from 10 to 25 feet.
Like Cheema, Yashas too has dropped just one shot over the first two rounds.
Yashas said, “My ball striking and putting has been really good over the last two days. I hit it pretty close today and stayed patient.”
Ortolani (64-69) continued at the top of the pack following his 69 on Thursday. “It’s always tough to match up to a first round of eight-under,” he said later.
“So, I’m quite happy with the way I managed myself today and kept the momentum going.”
Also read: Joshi, Prasad, Ortolani share lead at Nissan Chandigarh Open
Discover more from Tee Time Tales
Subscribe to get the latest posts to your email.