Taipei, 02-10-2015
Rashid Khan establishes one-shot lead in Taiwan
Two-time Asian Tour winner Rashid Khan of India battled against the gusty wind to grab the halfway lead after signing for a two-under-par 70 at the US$650,000 Mercuries Taiwan Masters on Friday.
The wiry 24-year-old overcame a double-bogey on the first with six birdies against two bogeys to stay one shot ahead of playing partner and overnight leader Danny Chia of Malaysia on six-under-par 138 total at the challenging Taiwan Golf and Country Club’s Tamsui course.
PGTI members Mithun Perera (72) of Sri Lanka and Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman (74) were in tied third at one-under-143.
Despite getting off to a dismal start, Khan kept his head up and bounced back strongly with three straight birdies starting from the fifth. He dropped a shot on ninth before adding three birdies against a bogey on his way home.
“I started really bad. I made a double-bogey on the first hole. I hit it into the bunker and three-putted on the green. It was very disappointing but I didn’t let it affect me. I holed a 15-footer on the next hole for par and gained a little confidence from there.
“The three straight birdies really got my game going. I told my caddy if I can shoot three or four-under par, it will be great. I kept the ball in play on the back nine and I am happy with where I stand, given the tough conditions out there,” said Khan, who ended his round on a sweet note when he sank a six-foot birdie putt on the par-four 18th.
Khan, however, conceded that he would need to rediscover some magic in his putter should he wish to maintain his lead.
“Overall, I feel confident with my game but my short game just wasn’t as good today. I three-putted three times today and my chipping was not good too. I am going to work on my short game so I can have more control on my distance in the next two rounds,” Khan lamented.
The Indian quartet of Chiragh Kumar, Gaganjeet Bhullar, Chikkarangappa and Himmat Singh Rai were in tied 26th at four-over-148.
Rahil Gangjee (seven-over-157), Arjun Atwal (seven-over-157) and Angad Cheema (19-over-163) missed the halfway cut of six-over-150.
Players will be vying for good showings at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters to boost their chances of qualifying for the prestigious CIMB Classic and WGC-HSBC Champions.
As of October 26, the leading four golfers from the Order of Merit will earn starting places in the US$8.5 million HSBC Champions in November while the leading 10 players will qualify for the US$7 million CIMB Classic at the end of October.
At the European Tour’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, the three Indians, Shiv Kapur (one-over-145), SSP Chawrasia (eight-over-152) and Jeev Milkha Singh (nine-over-153), were placed tied 119th, tied 157th and tied 161st respectively after round two.
About PGTI:
Formed in 2006, Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) is the recognised official body of professional golf in India. PGTI's objective is to promote professional golf in the country, as well as to give players an opportunity to be involved in the decision making on all aspects of the game. Headed by Mr. Kapil Dev (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
For information on PGTI, please contact:
Nikhil Kalaan
Media Manager - PGTI
Mobile: 9910974846
Email: media@pgtofindia.com
