By Rahul Banerji
Mohd Azhar grabbed the halfway lead on 7-under 65 at the Rs 1 crore Gujarat Open at the Glade One Golf Resort and Club in Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The Vikarabad-based Azhar fired a superb 5-under 31 on the day to hold a one-shot lead on the field, the PGTI said.
Karnal’s Mani Ram shot a second straight 33 to be placed second on 6-under 66.
The first two rounds of the event were played over nine holes each. After 18 holes and Thursday’s cut at 2-over 74, the last two rounds will comprise 18 holes each. Fifty professionals and one amateur made the grade.
Par for the course in the first two rounds was 36 and will be 72 over the remaining two days.
Azhar (34-31), tied fifth overnight and one stroke off the lead, made his move early with birdies on holes two and three with 18-foot conversions.
Early mover
With his putter on fire, Azhar picked up another birdie from long range on five when he sank it from 20 feet.
The 24-year-old, who turned pro in 2020, then pushed on with further birdies on seven and eight where he landed it within five feet.
Azhar said, “I’ve had a decent start to the season having already posted a top-20 finish in the previous event and just carrying forward that momentum this week.
“My putting has so far been the best aspect of my game on the first two days at Glade One. I’ve made a number of long putts. Going ahead my focus will be on the placement off the tees as the rough is quite unforgiving at this venue.”
Mani Ram (33-33), part of a four-way tie for the first-round lead, slipped one spot to second following his 33 on Thursday that featured birdies on the last three holes.
Rankings leader Shaurya Binu of Bangalore and Andorra’s Kevin Esteve Rigaill were tied for third on 4-under 68.
Ahmedabad’s Anshul Patel was the best-placed among the local golfers in tied eighth on 2-under 70.
Asian Tour winner Rashid Khan was tied 12th on 1-under 71, defending champion Aman Raj was T32 on 73 and Manu Gandas was T42 on 74.
Scotland’s Harvey McDonald was the only amateur to make the cut with a 71 to occupy tied 12th position.
McDonald has been training at Glade One over the last three weeks under the guidance of Indian professional golfer Arshpreet Thind.
The Scot hopes to represent the Great Britain and Ireland team against the United States in the 2025 Walker Cup, a prestigious amateur team competition.
Round 2 leaders
65: Mohd Azhar (34-31)
66: Mani Ram (33-33)
68: Kevin Esteve Rigaill (34-36), Shaurya Binu (34-36)
Also read: Four-way opening round tie for lead at Gujarat Open
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