Osaka, Japan, 20-04-2018
Rahil Gangjee moves into tied second, within two shots of the lead, in Japan
India's Rahil Gangjee moved into tied second place, within two shots of the lead, at the halfway stage of the Panasonic Open Golf Championship in Japan.
Gangjee followed up his first round two-under-69 with a superb six-under-65 in round two to climb 22 places from his overnight tied 24th. His total stood at eight-under-134.
Japan's Rikuya Hoshino held on to his overnight lead as he totalled 10-under-132 on Friday.
Rahil Gangjee, who shared second place with five others at the Ibaraki Country Club, marked his card with eight birdies at the JPÂ¥150,000,000 (approx. US$1,370,000) event, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation (JGTO).
The 39-year-old Indian posted the day's lowest score of 65 to continue his pursuit of a first Asian Tour win in 14 years.
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Rahil said, "Today was like a dream round, considering I haven't been playing that well for the last year and a half! I made a lot of putts and hit some decent shots too. I had no expectations. When I played my first practice round with Arjun, there were no birdies in nine holes so we were not expecting much from this golf course.
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"I went out there and made eight birdies today, that was something. I've not been in this position for years and I guess I have to keep my tempo down as I've been going hard at it recently."
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Ajeetesh Sandhu (69-69) was the next best Indian in tied 15th place at four-under-138.
Among the other Indians who made the halfway cut of one-under were Arjun Atwal, Shiv Kapur and SSP Chawrasia, all placed tied 48th at one-under-141.ÂÂ
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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. Srinivasan H R (President), PGTI's governing body comprises leading Indian golf professionals. PGTI currently has over 300 members.
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