Jakarta, Indonesia, 15-12-2017
Chikka rises to tied sixth on day two in Jakarta
India’s Chikkarangappa S showed signs of returning to form as he followed up his first round of four-under-68 with a second round of five-under-67 for a two-day total of nine-under-135 at the Asian Tour’s season-ending Indonesian Masters.
Chikka was placed tied sixth, five shots behind leader Justin Rose of England, who had only completed 16 holes when play was suspended due to fading light.
The second round of the tournament was suspended twice where the sirens were first blown at 3.19pm (local time) because of lightning threats. Officials later decided to call off play at 5.40pm due to fading light at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club.
Play will resume at 6.15am on Saturday with the third round scheduled to start no earlier than 8.45am.
There were 36 players yet to complete their second round when play was suspended.
Chikkarangappa, who was tied 14th after round one on Thursday, is currently in 67th place on the Asian Tour Order of Merit and needs to break into the top-61 to retain his Tour card for 2018.
Chikka said, “It was a much needed round, I am very happy with how I played. Nine-under puts me right up there and I am really looking forward to the next two rounds.
“The season has not been good for me, missed close to about 15 cuts this year, probably one of the worst in my golfing career. But it’s okay, there have been a lot of positives which I will take over next year, so hopefully I can end the year on a good day.
“I just went back home and met Anirban (Lahiri) to have a chat with him and get some things off my mind.
“I also met with a psychologist since I have been thinking a lot about my card and I haven’t been enjoying myself. I have been enjoying myself the past two days and I think that is what made a difference.”
Shubhankar Sharma, who won the Joburg Open earlier this week, carded a 67 in round two to move up 45 places to tied 15th at six-under-138. Gaganjeet Bhullar (71) too was in tied 15th.
Shiv Kapur was four-under through 16 holes for a six-under total when play was suspended. He was also lying tied 15th.
Ajeetesh Sandhu (68) closed the day in tied 30th at four-under-140 while Honey Baisoya (69) was tied 34th at three-under-141.
Rashid Khan (70) and Jyoti Randhawa (67) were both placed tied 51st at two-under-142.
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