Macao: Golfers Anirban Lahiri and S Chikkarangappa turned in contrasting second round cards but were among the five who shared the lead at the USD 1.1 million Venetian Macao Open golf tournament, here Friday. The two shared the joint top spot along with Kalem Richardson, Scott Vincent and Sutijet Kooratanapisan with all five on eight-under 134.
Making it a great day for India, were Rahil Gangjee (69), Chiragh Kumar (70) and Shankar Das (67), who were tied 11th at five-under 137. Rashid Khan (69) was tied 19th, while Jyoti Randhawa (71) and Khalin Joshi (70) were tied 31st. SSP Chawrasia (70) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (69) also squeezed inside the cut at one-over 143.
Lahiri shot a three-under 68, despite a shocking eight on par-5 12th after starting on the 10th. The gritty Indian battled back to par as he birdied the 13th, 17th and 18th holes. On the second nine, the front of the course, Lahiri eagled the par-5 second, birdied fourth and sixth, though he bogeyed on the fifth hole.
Chikka, who had a 69 on first day, was in splendid form with a six-under 65, that included four birdies on the front nine, a bogey on par-5 12th and another birdie on 16th and a closing eagle.
Press Trust of India
