Lahiri fires 63 to climb 69 spots at Saudi International

Anirban Lahiri produced his best round of the season on Friday, a bogey-free stretch of scoring aside from one mistake, to card an eight-under 63 and vault into T-12 at the halfway stage of the PIF Saudi International in Riyadh.

After opening with an even-par 71, Lahiri jumped 69 places up the leaderboard. His round featured nine birdies, including a run of three straight from the 11th to 13th, and six birdies on the back nine alone. His only blemish came on the 14th, but he responded immediately with birdies on 15, 16 and a final gain on 18. Lahiri matched the day’s low score with South Africa’s Dean Burmester.

“It felt good to roll some putts today,” Lahiri said. “I readjusted my putter this morning and hit my wedges a lot closer. Yesterday I struggled with pace and yardages, so this was a solid turnaround. You have to go low out here.”

Surratt leads at 14-under

American Caleb Surratt added a five-under 66 to take a one-shot lead at 14-under, with Belgium’s Thomas Pieters in second after a 66 of his own. Surratt, who lost a playoff here last year, kept a clean card and closed strongly, reaching the front edge of the par-4 18th from the tee and getting up-and-down to edge ahead.

“Following a great round is one of the hardest things in golf,” Surratt said. “I stayed patient and showed myself I can still play well while fighting my thoughts.”

Chasing pack tightens

Pieters sits two back, joined by a resurgent Anthony Kim, whose 64 moved him into contention for the first time since returning to competitive golf following a 12-year absence. England’s Tyrrell Hatton and Spain’s Josele Ballester also posted 65s to join the group.

Burmester, Adrian Meronk (70), Seungbin Choi (66) and several others sit a further stroke behind.

International Series storyline sharpens

With two LIV Golf League cards on the line through The International Series rankings, the pressure remains high. Leader Scott Vincent carded his second 67 to strengthen his position, while Filipino Miguel Tabuena stayed in touch after a 68. Japan’s Yosuke Asaji, second in the standings, missed the cut after a 72, opening the door for movement over the weekend.

Defending champion Joaquin Niemann will not feature on the weekend after missing the cut by one despite a second-round 69.

Photo – Asian Tour