Thangaraja takes narrow lead at Bengaluru Open with a 65

Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja extended his sensational form on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI), firing a six-under 65 to seize the halfway lead at the INR 1 crore Bengaluru Open 2025 Powered by IndianOil, being held at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA).

Thangaraja, who has already registered a win and a runner-up finish in his last three PGTI starts, moved to 11-under 131 with rounds of 66 and 65. The 43-year-old now holds a one-shot lead over Viraj Madappa of Kolkata, who followed his opening 65 with a steady 67 to sit at 10-under 132.

Gurugram’s Manu Gandas produced the round of the tournament so far — a blistering eight-under 63 — to climb 26 spots and take solo third at nine-under 133, keeping the pressure firmly on the leaders.

Round-one co-leader Subash Tamang of Nepal slipped to tied fourth at eight-under 134 after a 69, alongside Saptak Talwar of Greater Noida (68). Defending champion Abhinav Lohan is tied 11th at five-under 137, while Bengaluru’s own Manoj S and Mari Muthu R are tied 13th at four-under 138.

The cut fell at one-over 143, with 50 professionals and one amateur, Noida’s Kanav Chauhan, advancing to the weekend.

Thangaraja credited his consistency and composure for his strong position:

“My tee shots, approaches, and putting were great today. The greens here are similar to my home course in Colombo, so I’m very comfortable. I’ve been feeling the momentum since my win in Chennai three weeks ago and want to make the most of my form.”

The Sri Lankan started quietly but caught fire on his front nine, racking up six birdies including two from brilliant bunker shots.

Madappa, a PGTI winner earlier this year, matched Thangaraja for precision through much of the round, making six birdies in his first 16 holes before a costly double-bogey on the 17th.

“I’ve played solidly both days,” said Madappa. “I’ve just dropped bogeys at the finish in both rounds. I’m hitting my irons really well — 13 greens in regulation today — so it’s just about staying patient till the last hole.”

With two rounds remaining and the leaderboard tightly packed, the Bengaluru Open is shaping up for a thrilling weekend showdown, with Thangaraja aiming to convert his hot streak into another title.

Photo – N Thangaraja/ PGTI