Two-time DP World Tour winner Shunhankar Sharma feels his game is on track after taking the second day lead of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at Greater Noida’s Jaypee Greens on Thursday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
Shubhankar Sharma eases to four-shot lead at Tour Championship
By Rahul Banerji
Shubhankar Sharma unpacked his bag of tricks to power into a four-shot second round lead in the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at Greater Noida’s Jaypee Greens on Thursday.
The 30-year-old from Chandigarh started two shots behind overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya, making an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to reach 11 under par 133 with a brisk 7 under 65 on the day.
The Rs 2 crore season-ender is being presented by Vishwa Samudra and powered by Nalco, the DP World PGTI said.
A two-time winner on the DP World Tour, Shubhankar (68-65) returned to the winner’s circle with a dominant display on the domestic tour in April, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title.
Chandigarh’s Brashwarpal Singh (72-65) matched Shubhankar for the day’s low score. His round featured eight birdies against one dropped shot as Singh climbed from T11 overnight to second on 7 under 137.
Bhattacharya (66-72) slipped to third on 6 under 138 while four-time winner this season, Khalin Joshi, was fourth on 5 under 139.
The Bangalore golfer (72-67), second behind Saptak Talwar (75-72) in the Race to DP World India Championship rankings, had an eagle on the par-five fourth, five birdies and two bogeys.
Shubhankar said he was encouraged by his ball-striking control after struggling to bring the different parts of his game together in recent weeks.
Right track
“I played really well and felt very solid throughout the round,” he said.
“My ball-striking had not been at its best over the past few weeks, even though there was not much wrong with my game. Today, everything came together.
“I hit the ball exactly where I wanted, shaped shots both ways and felt in complete control. I could have holed a few more putts, but I’m very pleased with the day.”
The highlight of Shubhankar’s round came on the par-five fourth.
After going left half off the tee, he struck a six-iron from approximately 212 yards to 18 feet on the plateau green and converted the eagle putt.
“The putt just caught the left edge,” he said. “Most of my shots came off exactly as I had visualised them, and that was the most encouraging part.”
Shubhankar created further opportunities throughout the round, including on the final hole, where he struck his approach to about five feet but missed the birdie putt.
“There were several shots like that today,” he said. “Those are positive signs for this tournament and also for my preparations for next week.”
Shubhankar also praised DP World PGTI president Kapil Dev for his contribution to the growth of the tour.
Big contribution
“Since Mr. Kapil Dev became president, more sponsors have come on board, while the organisation, social media and player facilities have continued to improve,” Shubhankar said.
“The introduction of a players’ lounge is one example of the many positive changes on tour.”
Shubhankar, who played alongside Kapil in a Pro-Am in Hyderabad recently, said their shared Chandigarh connection made their interactions particularly easy.
“Despite being one of India’s biggest sporting icons, he constantly looks for ways to promote golf and move the sport forward,” he said. “I have tremendous respect for everything he is doing for the game.”
Last season’s DP World PGTI Order of Merit winner Yuvraj Sandhu (71-69) was fifth at 4 under 140.
Thursday’s Pro-Am was won by Shubhankar and amateur Rajeev Gupta with 48 Stableford points.
Also read: Bhattacharya in the van at Vishwa Samudra Tour Championship
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