Macao, 14-10-2016
Lahiri, Chikka part of five-way lead in round two of Venetian Macao Open
Source: Asian Tour
India’s Anirban Lahiri took his customary spot atop the US$1.1 million Venetian Macao Open on Friday as close friend Chikkarangappa S., Kalem Richardson, Scott Vincent and Sutijet Kooratanapisan forced their way into a leaderboard logjam.
Reigning Asian Tour number one Lahiri, champion here in 2014 and runner-up in 2013 and last year, overcame an early triple bogey to shoot a three-under-par 68 at the Macau Golf and Country Club to share the halfway lead on eight-under-par 134.
Unheralded Sutijet overcame the emotions following the death of the King of Thailand, King Bhumibol, as he carded a 66 to put himself in position for a maiden Asian Tour victory. Richardson (67), Vincent (64) and Chikkarangappa (65) also fought into contention.
Co-overnight leader Ian Poulter scrambled to a 73 to fall three shots off the pace in his first tournament back from injury while title holder Scott Hend fired a 67 to lie a further stroke back. World number 14 Branden Grace signed for a 71 and is six behind the leaders while Europe’s Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke missed the halfway cut following a 73.
With an impressive track record at the Venetian Macao Open, the 29-yeara-old Lahiri, who is now 55-under-par in his last 14 rounds here, put himself in prime position to land a second victory in three years and eighth Asian Tour title.
“Obviously not the start I was looking for (with the triple bogey) but I was confident if I could claw myself back, I could put a score together,” said Lahiri, whose card included five birdies and one eagle. “End of the day, I’m still a bit disappointed I didn’t birdie one of the last three holes. However, I’m happy to keep myself in it.”
Lahiri, who played mainly in the United States this season, was happy close friend Chikkarangappa also fought his way into contention but he won’t afford any favours to the younger man.
“We’re always going to be friends, but on the course, we want to beat each other. He knows it, I know it. For 10 years now, whether it’s a dollar bet or a lunch bet, a bet is a bet. We’re both competitive. It’s a matter of time (he wins) as he has the quality and he’s shown it,” said Lahiri.
Newcomer Chikkarangappa, who has registered two top-10s in as many weeks, credited his hot putting for his run, eagling the last hole from eight feet. “The key was putting although I did hit some good wedge shots in,” said the 23-year-old, who needed only 24 strokes on the putting surface.
“I miss playing with him (Lahiri) these days and I hope we can play together tomorrow. I’m very excited. He’s won events out here, he’s got a lot of experience.”
The Indian trio of Chiragh Kumar, Rahil Gangjee and Shankar Das were in tied 11th at five-under-137 while compatriot Rashid Khan was a further shot back in tied 17th.
The other Indians who made the cut were Jyoti Randhawa and Khalin Joshi both in tied 31st at two-under-140, Arjun Atwal tied 51st at even-par-142 and SSP Chawrasia and Gaganjeet Bhullar in tied 65th at one-over-143.
The halfway cut was set at 143, with 82 players making into the weekend rounds.
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