Chittagong, 30-03-2017
Siddikur takes control in round two with a blistering 66
Bangladesh’s premier golfer Md Siddikur Rahman delighted the home crowd with a blistering six-under-66 in round two of the City Bank American Express Chittagong Open. Siddikur’s brilliant effort at the Bhatiary Golf & Country Club on Thursday helped him build a substantial lead of six shots at the halfway stage as his total read nine-under-135.
Indians Shamim Khan (72), Sanjeev Kumar (71), Khalin Joshi (70) and Harendra Gupta (72) were bunched together in tied second at three-under-141 along with Sri Lankan Anura Rohana (72).
The cut was declared at eight-over-152. Fifty-three professionals made the cut including 33 Indians, 17 Bangladeshis and three Sri Lankans.
Siddikur (69-66), who was lying overnight tied third, one off the lead, came into his own on the second day thanks to a fabulous all round effort. With three straight birdies on the fifth, sixth and seventh followed by three more on the 10th, 11th and 13th, he raced to six-under for the day through the first 13 holes. The bogey on the 15th was his only blemish but he finally ended with another birdie on the 18th to stamp his authority on the second round.
Siddikur said, “I’m really enjoying playing here in Chittagong. The Bhatiary Golf & Country Club has a challenging layout and is one of my favourite courses. The City Bank American Express Bangladesh Open will go a long way in further popularizing golf in the country.
“I had a decent start in round one but really got my game going today. I struck it well and also took my chances on the greens. I have a healthy lead at the moment but won’t take anything for granted as there is a lot of golf still to be played in this tournament. I would love to do well here in front of my home crowd this week,” added the two-time Asian Tour winner.
Md Jakiruzzaman Jakir (70) was the next best Bangladeshi golfer after Siddikur. Jakir was placed seventh at two-under-142.
Round one joint leaders Samarth Dwivedi and Honey Baisoya of India, slipped to tied eighth at one-under-143 after both shot scores of 75 in round two.
Bangladeshi amateur Md Nobi Hossain made a hole-in-one on the 17th during his second round effort of 78. However, he missed the cut as his total score was 19-over-163.
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