Khalin rises to joint lead

NEWDELHI: This has been a week of firsts for Khalin Joshi. That he will figure in the leadergroup of the Panasonic Open on Sunday is another addition to that list at the DCG. In joint lead at 13-under 203, it’s a situation the 26-year-old has been in before, but “the feeling” this time is of a happy ending.

Tipped to break through on the Asian Tour since the T2 at the Bangladesh Open in 2015, Khalin has come close many times, but “uncomfortable being in such situations”, a win eluded him. The most recent instance was the final day of the Take Solutions Masters at the Karnataka Golf Association in August. “I took a lot of time to come out of it,” said Khalin on the T6 finish at his home course in Bangalore.

Eight top-10s in four seasons, including T7 at the Panasonic Open two years ago, Khalin started to doubt if he belonged at this level. “With peers winning all around, there were questions if my game lacked in certain aspects,” said Khalin. With time, the outlook changed. “Now, it is about doing my bit and waiting for the door to open.”

The mind freer, the week has been like playing “practice rounds”, and the friendly banter on the course has put him at ease.

Normally a scoreboard watcher, there’s another break from the past. “Comfortable with the way I am”, Khalin posted his best round of 8-under 64 at DGC. Though he has slowed down on the course towards getting patient, “when the swing speed comes down, there is less scope for error,” his walk or talk showed a man in hurry. “When the game’s good, all courses feel good,” said Khalin, and that’s the way he would like it on Sunday.