Brijesh Kumar and Jhared Hack share the halfway lead at the US$300,000 Indorama Ventures Open Golf Championship after two rounds at Kalhaar Blues & Greens Golf Club in Ahmedabad.
Brijesh carded a 3-under 69 and Hack returned a 2-under 70 as both players moved to 7-under 137 through 36 holes.
Brijesh climbed two spots from his overnight tied-third position, mixing five birdies with two bogeys in a composed round. Hack, the winner of the season’s opening event, moved up one place after making four birdies against two bogeys.
Dhruv Sheoran sits alone in third place at 6-under 138 after a second straight round of 69.
A group of four players — Saptak Talwar, Clement Sordet, Pierre Pineau and Christoph Bleier — share fourth at 5-under 139.
First-round leader Rashid Khan slipped to tied eighth at 4-under 140 after a second-round 74.
The cut fell at 4-over 148, with 62 professionals advancing to the weekend rounds.
Brijesh’s round was built on accurate driving and strong approach play, highlighted by a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th.
“I hit my tee shots with great precision and was sharp around the greens,” Brijesh said. “Winning on the NexGen Tour last season gave me confidence and now the goal is to win on the main tour.”
Hack continued his steady play in Indian conditions, rolling in a couple of mid-range putts and capitalising on the par-5s to stay at the top of the leaderboard.
With two rounds remaining, the championship remains tightly poised as the leaders head into the weekend in Ahmedabad.
Photo – PGTI
