Ahmedabad, 08-04-2015
Chikkarangappa sets course record for five-shot lead at halfway stage
Feroz Singh Garewal in second place
Bangalore’s Chikkarangappa S set a new course record with his eight-under-64 in round two to build a comfortable five-shot lead at 11-under-133 at the halfway stage of the PGTI Players Championship presented by Kensville Golf & Country Club. Chandigarh-based rookie Feroz Singh Garewal was placed second at six-under-138 after his second round of 67.
The cut was declared at four-over-148. Fifty-three professionals made the cut.
Chikkarangappa (69-64), who was overnight tied second, took control on day two with a super 64 as he broke the previous course record of 65 set by Shiv Kapur en route his victory at the Gujarat Kensville Challenge 2013.
Chikka made early gains on Wednesday with birdie conversions from eight feet on the 11th and 13th followed by a two-on and two-putt birdie on the 14th. Chikka, a winner of five titles, made his only error of the day when he three-putted for bogey on the 15th. The 21-year-old, however, more than made up for it, by landing it within five feet on the 16th, 18th and first, to pick up three strokes.
Chikkarangappa sank a mammoth 60-footer for birdie on the third before chipping-in to gain another shot on the seventh. The professional from the Eagleton Golf Resort, Bangalore, finally signed off with a 25-feet birdie conversion from just off the green on the ninth.
“It was a lot cooler this morning with the wind being up. I felt the favourable weather conditions for most part of the round helped me play well and land it close with my irons. My short-game was quite sharp on the last six holes where I sank two long putts and also had a chip-in,” said Chikka, who is a rookie on the Asian Tour this season.
He added, “I recently changed my putter after almost seven years. That change seems to be working for me. I have some good memories of this course as I made my professional debut here during the 2013 Gujarat Kensville Challenge. I did well to make the cut on that occasion after making two long birdie putts towards the end of round two.
“It’s great to break the course record. I have a good lead at the moment but it’s about giving my hundred per cent and sticking to a game-plan from here on.”
Feroz Singh Garewal (71-67), who was overnight tied ninth, climbed up seven places after posting a 67 which included an eagle on the 14th, four birdies and a bogey.
Sanjay Kumar of Lucknow and Gurgaon-based Shubhankar Sharma shot identical scores of 68 on day two to be joint third at five-under-139.
Digvijay Singh of Gurgaon fired a 67 to share fifth place along with Kolkata’s Feroz Ali Mollah and Panchkula’s Angad Cheema at four-under-140.
Noida’s Amardip Sinh Malik, the round one leader, slipped to tied eighth after a round of 74 that took his total to three-under-141. Noida’s Rahul Bajaj, Delhi golfer Himmat Singh Rai and Udayan Mane of Bangalore shared eighth place with Malik.
Kolkata’s Rahil Gangjee was in joint 12th at two-under-142 while Delhi’s Rashid Khan was tied 27th at two-over-146.
Kapurthala’s Gaganjeet Bhullar (76-73) missed the cut by one shot as he totaled five-over-149.
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.
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