Two-time PGTI Tour winner Shubhankar Sharma carded a six-under 66 to sit tied second alongside Delhi\u2019s Vinay Kumar Yadav. The round marked Shubhankar\u2019s first start on the tour since the Tour Championship in Jamshedpur in December 2021. Teenager Vishesh Sharma, who turned professional last year and finished 21st on the DP World PGTI Order of Merit in 2025, made the most of his familiarity with the venue to produce a standout round.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Vishesh said, \u201cI kept myself in play early on and focused on getting into good positions. The eagle on the 14th really gave me momentum. I hit a hybrid to about 10 feet there and made the putt, which helped me push on.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He capitalised on that momentum with a strong run, converting several chances from inside 10 to 15 feet. \u201cI was able to take advantage of the opportunities I created and convert some good putts,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Playing in his home city, Sharma also drew confidence from the setting. \u201cIt\u2019s great to be playing in Hyderabad and staying at home for this event. Being familiar with the conditions definitely helps,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shubhankar\u2019s round included an eagle on the par-5 seventh, six birdies, and two bogeys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe course is in great shape and will only get tougher as the week goes on, especially with the wind and pin positions,\u201d Shubhankar said. \u201cI had a good stretch in the middle of the round where I picked up shots, including the eagle, and that made the difference.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He added, \u201cI finished well, and that always gives you confidence going into the next round.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cThe course is in great shape and will only get tougher as the week goes on, especially with the wind and pin positions,\u201d Shubhankar said. \u201cI had a good stretch in the middle of the round where I picked up shots, including the eagle, and that made the difference.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Yuvraj Sandhu, one of the pre-tournament favourites, struck a 73 on day one to be placed tied 55th.<\/p>\r\n\r\n