Can Anirban Lahiri Maintain His Lead in LIV Golf Virginia?

Synopsis
Anirban Lahiri's stunning performance at LIV Golf Virginia has him leading by two strokes after a record-setting second round. With seven birdies and no bogeys, can he secure his first title since 2015? As the tournament heads into the final round, excitement builds around whether Lahiri can hold off his competitors.
Key Takeaways
- Anirban Lahiri leads the tournament with a score of 11-under.
- He made seven birdies and no bogeys in the second round.
- The competition is fierce, with several players within striking distance.
- Lahiri is seeking his first title since the 2015 Hero Indian Open.
- The Crushers team, including Lahiri, is leading the team standings.
Gainesville, June 8 (NationPress) Anirban Lahiri achieved a remarkable score of 7-under-par 64 at the Robert Trent Jones Golf Club, setting a new tournament record and seizing a two-stroke advantage after the second round of LIV Golf Virginia.
Lahiri showcased his skills with seven birdies, including a streak of three consecutive birdies from holes 6 to 8, while avoiding any bogeys. Currently, he stands at 11-under for the tournament, leading by two strokes over Bubba Watson, Graeme McDowell, and day one co-leader Martin Kaymer, who are all at 9-under as they head into the final round.
None of these four players have previously won a LIV event.
Since his victory at the 2015 Hero Indian Open in India, Lahiri has been seeking another title. Notably, he is the only Indian participant in LIV Golf.
In LIV’s unique shotgun format, Lahiri began his round in the first group off of No. 1 alongside Joaquin Niemann. Niemann had a successful birdie streak on holes 5 to 8 and had just made a birdie on the 10th when he approached the 11th, a challenging 190-yard hole. Unfortunately, his tee shot fell short, landing on the hillside green across Lake Manassas before rolling into the water.
Niemann incurred a penalty and ended with a double bogey, finishing his round at -3, four strokes behind and sharing a four-way tie for fifth place with Jon Rahm, Phil Mickelson, and fellow day one co-leader Bryson DeChambeau.
Rahm, who was part of the same starting group with Lahiri and Niemann, could have easily claimed the lead himself, wrapping up with a 2-under round of 69.
The efforts of Lahiri and DeChambeau propelled their Crushers team to the top of the team standings, leading by a stroke over the Brooks Kopeka-led Smash GC.