Bengaluru, Oct 8 (NationPress) Sri Lankan N. Thangaraja, showcasing impressive form with a victory and a runner-up finish in the last three PGTI events, maintained his stellar performance by scoring a six-under 65, thus taking the halfway lead on Day Two of the INR 1 crore Bengaluru Open 2025, held at the Karnataka Golf Association (KGA) course in Bengaluru.

Thangaraja (66-65), who entered the day tied for third and just one stroke behind the leader, has accumulated a total of 11-under 131 after two rounds, securing a narrow one-shot lead on the leaderboard. Viraj Madappa (65-67) from Kolkata, who shared the lead overnight, shot a 67 in Round Two, dropping to second place at 10-under 132. Manu Gandas from Gurugram delivered a remarkable tournament-low score of 63, advancing 26 spots to third at nine-under 133.

Nepal’s Subash Tamang, who was tied for the lead after Round One, fell to tied fourth at eight-under 134 after a 69 on Wednesday. He shares this position with Saptak Talwar from Greater Noida (68). The reigning champion, Abhinav Lohan from DLF Golf & Country Club, Gurugram, ended Day Two tied for 11th at five-under 137.

Among Bengaluru's competitors, Manoj S. and Mari Muthu R. were the highest-placed, both tied for 13th at four-under 138. The cut line was set at one-over 143, allowing fifty professionals and one amateur to advance.

Noida’s Kanav Chauhan was the sole amateur to make the cut, sitting tied for 24th at two-under 140.

Currently third on the PGTI Order of Merit, Thangaraja, who has two wins this season, had a steady but unspectacular start on the back nine, making three birdies, including a 30-footer, and two bogeys. His front nine, however, was electrifying with six birdies and one bogey, highlighted by two excellent bunker shots.

Thangaraja remarked, “My tee shots, approaches, and putting were excellent today. The bunker shots were particularly notable. The greens here resemble those at my home course in Colombo, which makes me feel at ease. I believe putting will be crucial in the tournament's concluding stages, so I intend to focus on refining my putting.”

“Since my victory in Chennai three weeks ago, I’ve been riding a wave of momentum. I’m eager to capitalize on my current form.”

Viraj Madappa, a previous PGTI champion this year, achieved six birdies over his first 16 holes, including three from distances of 10 to 15 feet. Unfortunately, he concluded his round with a double-bogey on the 17th hole.

Viraj stated, “I’ve played well throughout both days. Sadly, I’ve finished each round with bogeys. I need to maintain my focus and patience until the final hole.”

“I executed solid iron shots, giving myself numerous chances on the greens. I hit 13 greens in regulation. Consistency will be key over the next two days.”