Theegala, Bhatia surge into top five at Phoenix Open halfway mark

Sahith Theegala produced a second-round spark at the WM Phoenix Open, firing a 6-under 65 with two eagles to move into a share of fifth place heading into the weekend at TPC Scottsdale.

The Indian-American reached 7-under through 36 holes, continuing his strong early-season form after back-to-back top-10 finishes in his previous two starts. Akshay Bhatia also climbed into the top five, following his opening 68 with a bogey-free 67 to sit alongside Theegala at 7-under.

Japan’s Ryo Hisatsune surged into the outright lead with a bogey-free 8-under 63, edging ahead of Hideki Matsuyama, who posted a 64 highlighted by six straight birdies in the morning wave.

Theegala made his move early with an eagle on the par-5 third and a birdie on the fourth. After his only bogey at the fifth, he steadied himself and turned in three-under before catching fire again on the back nine. A second eagle at the par-5 13th and a closing birdie at 17 capped another sharp 65.

Bhatia’s round was built on patience and control. He picked up birdies at the third and fifth, then eagled the par-5 13th to stay firmly in touch with the leaders after missing the cut in his previous two starts.

Indo-Canadian Sudarshan Yellamaraju also rebounded strongly, shooting a bogey-free 64 to climb to 4-under and T-28 after an opening 74.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler recovered with a 65 to make the cut and extend his streak to 65 straight weekends, while Brooks Koepka missed the cut at 2-over.

With scoring low and the Stadium Course buzzing, both Theegala and Bhatia are well placed for a weekend run at the Phoenix title.

Photo – PGA Tour