Akron (the US): Anirban Lahiri battled to an even-par 70 but slipped to tied 16th spot after the second day of the WGC-Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament here, Friday
Following on his first round score of five-under 65, Lahiri is now five-under for 36 holes but could not hold on to his overnight tied seventh spot. Overall, Lahiri had three birdies and three bogeys for a par round at the Firestone Country Club golf course.
Meanwhile, young Shubhankar Sharma had a miserable second day at the event with a disappointing nine-over 79 that took him to 11-over 151. He was last at the 71st spot and had no birdies against nine bogeys on the second day.
Tommy Fleetwood had seven birdies in his 63 as he took a share of the lead alongside Ian Poulter (62-67) and Justin Thomas (65-64) at the halfway stage. Tiger Woods moved up from tied 14th to tied 10th as he added a two-under 68 to his first round 66.
After putting beautifully in first day when he also hit some great approaches, things were not as simple on the second day for Lahiri. He hit seven of 14 fairways and 10 of 18 greens in regulation but missed a couple of short putts, one from five feet and two others from 10 and 14 feet.
“I’ve said all along that putting is the key to my success,” said Lahiri after the end of the day’s play. “But today (Friday), my putting was not up to the mark. With two days left, hopefully I can recover some lost ground,” the Indian golfer added.
Aditi makes cut
Lytham St Annes (England): Aditi Ashok continued to battle with links golf but at least managed to overcome one hurdle by making the cut at the Ricoh Women’s British Open for the first time in three attempts, here Friday. With two successive rounds of even-par 72, she has assured herself of weekend action. At even-par for 36 holes, Aditi is now tied 41st. She had four birdies and four bogeys on the first day and two each on the second. Meanwhile, Thai Pornanong Phatlum took sole lead with a second successive five-under 67 to get to 10-under.
