Karandeep Kochhar surged into contention with a flawless 6-under 65 to move tied second at the halfway stage of the International Series Japan.
The Indian is 10-under through two rounds (67-65), just one shot behind leader Hongtaek Kim.
Kochhar’s second straight bogey-free round featured six birdies and lifted him seven places from overnight tied ninth.
Japan’s Shugo Imahira matched Kochhar’s total to share second, while Kim added a 67 to his opening 64 to lead at 11-under.
Kochhar credited his iron play and putting for the strong start, with both aspects working in sync across two clean rounds.
Veteran Jeev Milkha Singh also had a notable day, carding a 69 to make the cut at 1-under — his first on the Asian Tour since 2024.
Kim overcame an early bogey to steady himself with five birdies, maintaining control heading into the weekend.
With rain expected over the next two rounds, accuracy off the tee and patience could prove decisive.
Kochhar, already in form this season, now finds himself well placed to challenge for the title.
Photo – Asian Tour
