Khalin Joshi takes 2-shot lead at halfway point of MP Cup

Khalin Joshi produced a super spectacular 6-under 66 to grab a two-shot lead at the halfway point of MP Cup 2021.

Joshi, who won the last men’s professional tournament (Asian Tour event) staged at the DGC three years back, struck a six-under 66 consisting of seven birdies and a bogey to move up six places to take the sole lead in round two as his total read nine-under 135.

In-form Veer Ahlawat shot the day’s best score of 65 to gain 37 spots and move into tied second at seven-under 137.

Sri Lanka’s N Thangaraja, round one joint leaders Manu Gandas and Chikkarangappa S were also tied for second place along with Ahlawat.

The cut went at two-over 146. Fifty-two professionals and one amateur made the cut.

The 4-time champion on professional circuit Khalin Joshi began the day on a high thanks to a 15-feet birdie conversion on the first. He added two more birdies and a bogey on the front-nine to make the turn at two-under for the day.

Joshi continued his solid momentum and made four birdies on the back nine to finish the second day at 6-under.

Veer Ahlawat went error-free on Wednesday. He made 16 greens in regulation and had a chip-in birdie.

PGTI Order of Merit leader Karandeep Kochhar of Chandigarh was tied eighth at five-under 139.

The overnight joint leader Rashid Khan slipped to tied 12th at four-under 140 after a round of 73. While the fourth joint-leader after round one, Ajay Baisoya of Delhi, dropped to tied 42nd at two-over 146.

Indian star Shiv Kapur shot a 67 to be tied 15th at three-under 141. Another star attraction SSP Chawrasia was tied 34th at one-over 145.