Can Akshay Sharma Hold His Lead at the Chennai Open?

Chennai, Sep 17 (NationPress) Akshay Sharma from Chandigarh preserved his lead by shooting an impressive four-under 68 during the second day of the Chennai Open 2025, a prestigious Rs 1 crore tournament, taking place at the Cosmo TNGF Golf Course on Wednesday.

With scores of 63-68, Akshay maintained a three-shot advantage from the first round, totaling an impressive 13-under 131 after Day Two. The 35-year-old golfer, who has clinched three titles, including two on the PGTI and one on the PGTI Feeder Tour, was leading the clubhouse by a single stroke as the second round was halted due to dwindling daylight.

In pursuit of Akshay's lead was Shaurya Bhattacharya from Delhi (67-65), who started the day tied for fourth at four shots behind but managed to score a remarkable 65 to place second in the clubhouse at 12-under 132.

Rain caused a one-hour delay in play for the second consecutive day on Wednesday, with action commencing at 8:00 am local time. Consequently, the round was not finished on Wednesday as play was suspended at 6:15 pm due to fading light.

Out of 125 participants, twelve golfers were unable to complete the second round on Wednesday. They will continue their round starting at 7:30 am on Thursday, and the cut will be announced after round two is concluded, with the third round commencing afterward. Round three will not start before 9 am on Thursday.

Although Akshay Sharma didn't replicate his Round One performance, he managed to stay ahead with exceptional wedge play during round two, landing his wedges within four feet of the pin on three occasions on the back nine, securing birdies.

Among his three birdies on the front nine, two were impressive conversions from distances of 15 to 20 feet, although he did incur two bogeys during this segment.

Akshay commented, “I didn’t play as well as in round one, particularly regarding my tee shots and putting. However, my wedges were a lifesaver today, especially the gap wedge, which facilitated some early birdies for me.

“I have fond memories of this course, having led here going into the final round a couple of years ago. I aim to relive those moments in the last two rounds, and if I can replicate my Round One performance, I believe I have a strong chance of ending my five-year-long victory drought this week.”

Shaurya Bhattacharya’s round included several long conversions from 30 to 35 feet, resulting in eight birdies alongside a single bogey.

Manu Gandas from Gurugram (68) held third place at 10-under 134.

Anant Singh Ahlawat from Panchkula achieved a remarkable hole-in-one on the par-3 fourth hole, shooting the day's lowest score of nine-under 63. He is currently tied for fourth at nine-under 135, alongside N Thangaraja from Sri Lanka (66).