Overnight joint leader Ajeetesh Sandhu of Chandigarh held on a two-stroke advantage over the field after 36 holes of the Chennai Open at the TNGF Cosmo course on Wednesday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Ajeetesh Sandhu held a two-shot lead after the second round of the Rs 1 crore Chennai Open Powered by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course on Wednesday.
The overnight joint leader fired a 6 under par 66 that had eight birdies against two bogeys to reach 13 under 131 at the halfway stage, the DP World PGTI said.
The Chandigarh golfer (65-66), a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI and former Asian Tour champion, was two strokes clear of fellow leader Stepan Danek.
The 29-year-old from the Czech Republic made six birdies and two bogeys in a 4 under 68 to total 11 under 133 after his opening 65.
Telangana Open winner Rashid Khan (66-68) of Delhi was third on 10 under 134. His four-under card on Wednesday included an eagle on the par-five 18th, four birdies and two bogeys.
Sandhu, 37, played both sides of the Cosmo course in three-under but particularly enjoyed the front nine after teeing off on hole 10 because of the challenges it presented.
Tricky challenge
“The front nine is a little trickier and has a few holes that really demand your attention,” Sandhu said. “I managed to make birdies on a couple of those holes, so that was enjoyable.”
Sandhu felt he struck the ball better than during the opening round and found his rhythm earlier. A couple of timely par saves helped him settle before his late setback, a three-putt bogey on the eighth.
“Overall, it was a pretty solid round,” he said. “I found my rhythm early and made a couple of important saves, which helped build momentum.
“After that, it was fairly smooth sailing. The three-putt bogey on the eighth was disappointing, but there are still two rounds to play.”
This is Sandhu’s first appearance at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. His only previous tournament in Chennai came during his first season as a professional.
“I liked the course as soon as I played it during the Pro-Am,” he said. “It suits my eye. It is tree-lined and tricky, so I’m pleased with how I’ve played so far.”
Food as fuel
Sandhu has also enjoyed the local cuisine, turning to idlis and dosas as part of his preparation for the humid conditions.
“I’m a big fan of South Indian food,” he said. “I’ve been having plenty of dosas and idlis, especially at breakfast. Idlis are good fuel for the round, so I’ll continue with that.”
Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (67-68) moved up from tied sixth to T4 on 9 under 135, alongside Noida golfers Gaurav Pratap Singh (69-66) and Amardeep Malik (67-68).
Defending champion N. Thangaraja of Sri Lanka followed his opening 69 with a 70 to move into a share of 11th place on 5 under 139.
The cut fell at level par 144, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.
Also read: Ajeetesh Sandhu, Danek are early leaders at Chennai Open
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