Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship:<\/b> Shubhankar Sharma fired a seven-under 65 to establish a four-shot lead after the second round of the INR 2 crore Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida on Thursday.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer (68-65), who began the day two strokes behind overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya, made an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to reach 11-under 133.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
A two-time winner on the DP World Tour, Shubhankar returned to the winner\u2019s circle at the Boulders Classic on the PGTI in April, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chandigarh\u2019s Brashwarpal Singh (72-65) matched Shubhankar for the lowest score of the day. His seven-under 65 featured eight birdies and a solitary bogey as he surged from tied 11th overnight to second place at seven-under 137.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya (66-72) of Delhi slipped to third at six-under 138 after an even-par 72 containing three birdies and three bogeys.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bengaluru\u2019s Khalin Joshi (72-67), a four-time winner on the DP World PGTI this season, climbed from tied 11th to fourth at five-under 139. His 67 featured an eagle on the par-five fourth, five birdies and two bogeys. Joshi entered the week second in the Race to DP World India Championship.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shubhankar was particularly encouraged by the control he displayed with his ball-striking after struggling to bring the different parts of his game together in recent weeks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI played really well and felt very solid throughout the round,\u201d he said. \u201cMy ball-striking had not been at its best over the past few weeks, even though there was not much wrong with my game. Today, everything came together. I hit the ball exactly where I wanted, shaped shots both ways and felt in complete control. I could have holed a few more putts, but I\u2019m very pleased with the day,\u201d he said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The highlight of Shubhankar\u2019s round came on the par-five fourth. After finding the left half of the fairway with his drive, he struck a six-iron from approximately 212 yards to 18 feet and converted the eagle putt. \u201cThe putt just caught the left edge,\u201d he said. \u201cMost of my shots came off exactly as I had visualised them, and that was the most encouraging part.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shubhankar continued creating opportunities throughout the round, including on the final hole, where he struck his approach to about five feet but missed the birdie putt. \u201cThere were several shots like that today,\u201d he said. \u201cThose are positive signs for this tournament and also for my preparations for next week.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shubhankar also praised DP World PGTI President Kapil Dev for his contribution to the growth of the DP World PGTI. \u201cSince Kapil Dev became President, more sponsors have come on board, while the organisation, social media and player facilities have continued to improve,\u201d Shubhankar said. \u201cThe introduction of a players\u2019 lounge is one example of the many positive changes on tour.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Shubhankar, who played alongside Kapil in a Pro-Am in Hyderabad recently, said their shared Chandigarh connection made their interactions particularly easy.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDespite being one of India\u2019s biggest sporting icons, he constantly looks for ways to promote golf and move the sport forward,\u201d he said. \u201cEveryone in Chandigarh calls him \u2018Paaji\u2019, so speaking with him feels very easy. I have tremendous respect for everything he is doing for the game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Last season\u2019s PGTI Order of Merit winner Yuvraj Sandhu (71-69) occupied fifth place at four-under 140. Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar (75-72) climbed from tied 36th to tied 31st at three-over 147.<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cDespite being one of India\u2019s biggest sporting icons, he constantly looks for ways to promote golf and move the sport forward,\u201d he said. \u201cEveryone in Chandigarh calls him \u2018Paaji\u2019, so speaking with him feels very easy. I have tremendous respect for everything he is doing for the game.\u201d<\/p>\r\n\r\n<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Also Read: <\/b> Special Cricket Stories<\/a><\/p>\r\n\r\n