Golf: Theegala and Rai Surge into Top 10 at Zurich Classic
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Synopsis
Sahith Theegala and Aaron Rai have made a significant leap into the top 10 at the Zurich Classic, thanks to a stellar second-round performance. The duo showcased impressive teamwork in the alternate shot format, with Theegala sinking a crucial eagle putt.
Key Takeaways
- Sahith Theegala and Aaron Rai enter the top 10.
- They recorded a second-round score of 69.
- Salinda and Velo lead the tournament with a 17-under score.
- Defending champions McIlroy and Lowry trail by six strokes.
- Teams will switch formats for the final rounds.
Avondale (USA), April 26 (NationPress) Sahith Theegala made a 10-foot putt for an eagle, allowing him and his partner Aaron Rai to break into the top 10 with a second-round score of 69 at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans. They participated in the alternate shot format.
The duo, of Indian descent, started strong with a birdie on the first hole, an eagle on the second, and another birdie on the seventh. They faced a setback with a dropped shot on the fifth but managed to par the other holes, including all nine on the back nine.
Meanwhile, Akshay Bhatia, who is also associated with Hero, did not make the cut while playing alongside Carson Young.
PGA Tour newcomers Isaiah Salinda and Kevin Velo posted a 3-under 69 in the alternate-shot format, keeping them at the top of the leaderboard.
The defending champions, Rory McIlroy and Shane Lowry, are currently six strokes behind.
Salinda and Velo hold a 17-under 127 at the breezy TPC Louisiana after they set a tournament better-ball record with a score of 58 on Thursday during this unique team event. Andrew Novak and Ben Griffin sit just a stroke behind after their round of 66.
The teams will switch to better ball play on Saturday and return to alternate shot on Sunday.
Starting with the back nine, Salinda and Velo turned at 1 over but surged back with four birdies on the more manageable front nine.
Novak recently finished second to Justin Thomas in a playoff at the RBC Heritage, marking his second consecutive top-three finish.
McIlroy, in his first outing since claiming the Masters title, and Lowry are tied for 16th at 11 under after scoring a 69. The Irish stars recorded an eagle on the par-5 second hole and played the first 12 holes at 6 under, but struggled on the last six, dropping shots on the par-4 13th, par-3 17th, and par-5 18th.
Danish twins Nicolai and Rasmus Hojgaard are in third place at 15 under following a 70, after they shot a remarkable 59 on Thursday.
