Rahman snatches Panasonic Open lead

NEW DELHI: Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh fired a fine six-under-par 66 Friday to grab a share of the halfway lead alongside Thailand’s Suradit Yongcharoenchai at the Panasonic Open India in New Delhi.

Rahman, 33, pocketed eight birdies against two bogeys to catch up with overnight leader Yongcharoenchai, who impressed with a bogey-free 67 at the Delhi Golf Club.

The duo ended day two 11-under-par for 133 at the $400,000 Asian Tour event.

Local favourite Ajeetesh Sandhu (67) trailed in the third place with Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand two shots off the pace in fourth.

Rahman’s strong showing on his favourite hunting ground could help him swing his fortunes this season. He needs to finish inside the top-60 on the final merit rankings to keep his card for next year.

“After dropping two bogeys in a row, I told myself it happens, especially on this golf course, and I still have many holes to go,” Rahman said after the day’s play.

“Overall it was a wonderful round. I am happy because I played exactly the way I wanted to play.”

A total of 74 players progressed into the weekend rounds after making the halfway cut set at two- over-par 146.

The event is the second leg of the Panasonic Swing, an aggregate points race that spans five events in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan. AFP