By Rahul Banerji
There’s been a bit of an anti-climax in the Indian push for golf glory at the Tokyo Olympics with top hope Anirban Lahiri strangely off colour.
Strange because coming into the competition, the PGA Tour regular struck several upbeat notes. Somehow, though, that has not translated into a worthwhile score at Kasumigaseki Country Club.
On Saturday, Lahiri overcame the disappointment of an off-colour second round with a 3-under par total, but on 6-under 207, he is six shots away from a possible medal.
It was a birdie, eagle finish on Saturday for the 68, but the 72 that followed an opening 67 has left the 34-year-old needing extra-ordinary golf on Sunday to make a mark.
“It’s been a disappointing 36 holes,” said Lahiri, who is in his second Olympics.
“I had a good finish to my round but I’m very disappointed and barring a miracle, it will be hard for me to get on the podium tomorrow.
Lost momentum
“I felt I was playing well and the first round started good but my second round, I kind of lost my momentum and never got it back.
“The course was very gettable but I haven’t played anywhere near my A-game the last day and a half.”
American Xander Schauffele ground out a 68 to take a one-shot lead on 14-under 199 over local hero Hideki Matsuyama (67).
Paul Casey of Great Britain and Mexican Carlos Ortiz share third place on 12-under which Lahiri acknowledges will require a very low round for him to have any chance to catching them for a potential medal.
“On this course, you have to get on a hot stretch, like make three birdies in a row and take advantage of the par 5s which I haven’t really done.
“You look at Xander and how he finished his second round, five under in his last five.
“There are stretches like that on this course where you can take advantage and I haven’t done that. It’s been a tough ball-striking week for me, unfortunately,” said Lahiri.
Accuracy needed
“If you don’t hit the fairways, you can’t be aggressive. You have to first put it on the short grass and then be as aggressive as you like.
“My irons have been poor and that’s why I haven’t made as many birdies as I should have.
“I went through 27 or 30 holes where I made two birdies on this course which is quite poor.”
Weather disruptions coupled with the heat and humidity at Kasumigaseki have made it challenging for many golfers, Lahiri included.
“It’s extremely hot. For the guys who had to come back this morning to finish their rounds and who were here till late yesterday, myself included, it was quite energy-sapping.
“You needed to make birdies to get that energy going. I’m going to rest and come back out tomorrow and maybe try to shoot a 59,” he said.
Compatriot Udayan Mane carded a 70 for a share of 55th place on 2-over 215.
Also read: Lahiri opens strongly as Asia comes to golf’s Olympic party
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