Bhullar takes sole lead at Royal Challenge Golden Greens

Gurgaon, Aug 9 (UNI) Gaganjeet Bhullar carded a second round of one-under 71 to assume sole lead at the Royal Challenge Amateur golf here today.

Bhullar's tally in the event, now stands at one-under 143.

Bhullar started off slowly but soon found his radar with a birdie on the fifth to turn at one-under. On the back nine, Bhullar consolidated his lead with a birdie on the 11th but lost a shot on the 16th to end the day at one-under.

Meanwhile, Anirban Lahiri fired a round of one-under 71 for a two-day tally of 144 to occupy the second position while Joseph Chakola returned a card of one-over 73 to be placed third at 145.

Overnight leader Chiragh Kumar had a horrendous day and carded a round of three-over 75 to share the fourth place with Gagan Verma and Simarjeet Singh at 146, who shot identical rounds of one-under 71.

However, it was Shaurya Singh who stole the show with the day's best score of three-under 69 to share the seventh place with Manav Jaini and Karan Vasudeva at 147.

Shaurya fired six birdies on the second, fifth, eighth, ninth, 13th and 15th. However, bogeys on the third, 10th and 11th prevented him from returning a better card. The cut was set at 20-over 164 with 40 golfers proceeding to the deciding rounds.

Scores (after 36 holes): 143 Gaganjeet Bhullar (72, 71) 144 Anirban Lahiri (73, 71) 145 Joseph Chakola (72, 73) 146 Chiragh Kumar (71, 75), Gagan Verma ( 75, 71), Simarjeet Singh (75, 71) 147 Manav Jaini (72, 75), Karan Vasudeva (73, 74), Shaurya Singh (69, 78) 149 Himmat Rai (75, 74).

UNI PM YA RAI1840