Press Trust of India
Chiba (Japan), April 22: Shiv Kapur shot a four-under 67 in windy conditions to sit one shot behind the leader at the half-way stage of the 150 million Yen (USD 1.27 million) Panasonic Open Golf Championships here Friday.
Kapur with rounds of 68 and 67 is seven-under 135 and lying sole second. He is behind Japan’s Kodai Ichihara who is also chasing his maiden title and currently on at eight-under-par 134 at the Chiba Country Club, Umesato course.
Two other Indians Rahil Gangjee (69-73) in tied-39th, down from overnight tied 13th and Jeev Milkha Singh (74-70) up from tied 88th overnight made the cut also. However, Chiragh Kumar (74-72), Gaganjeet Bhullar (73-73), Jyoti Randhawa (72-74) and Himmat Rai (75-74) missed out.
The 34-year-old Kapur said having his friend Neeraj back on the bag was helpful. “He has helped me prepare and do well for this week and it showed. The pins were tough and winds blustery, so one had to be disciplined. I drove well and putted well. Hope I can keep doing it next two days,” informed Kapur.
Kapur, who had six birdies against two bogeys laughed and added: “All the credit goes to my wife Maya. I can’t deny that. Ever since I got engaged, I’ve been playing well.”
Ichihara, who played on the Asian Tour from 2008 to 2013 before losing his card, fired seven birdies to edge closer to a maiden victory. Japan’s Azuma Yano was a further shot back in third place following a 69 while Hung Chien-yao of Chinese Taipei, also searching for a first win, registered a 67 to sit in fourth place on 137.