How Did Amardeep Malik Surge Ahead by Two Strokes in Round Two?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Amardeep Malik leads the tournament after a stellar round.
- The competition is heating up with notable performances from Angad Cheema and Shaurya Bhattacharya.
- Strategic play and putting skills are crucial for success on challenging greens.
- The tournament showcases a mix of experienced professionals and promising amateurs.
- The event marks a significant return for players as the season resumes.
Ahmedabad, Aug 6 (NationPress) Amardeep Malik’s impressive putting propelled him to a two-stroke lead after the second round of the Coal India Open at the Kensville Golf & Country Club on Wednesday.
The Noida golfer (69-65) registered a remarkable seven-under 65 in this round, bringing his total to 10-under 134 for the tournament.
Chandigarh’s Angad Cheema (69-67), who shared the lead with Malik after the first round, shot a 67 on day two, placing him second at eight-under 136.
In third place is Delhi’s Shaurya Bhattacharya (71-66), who recorded a 66 during the second round, standing at seven-under 137.
The halfway cut was set at five-over 149, with a total of fifty-three professionals and one amateur qualifying.
Malik started strong with a birdie from 15 feet on the 10th hole and added four more birdies from distances between eight and 20 feet on the back nine. His putting prowess continued on the front nine, where he made long birdies from 25 feet and an astounding 50 feet on the first and third holes. Malik, a two-time PGTI champion, finished his round with a bogey and a birdie on the fifth and sixth holes.
“I focused on playing it safe today, which allowed me to find most fairways and greens,” said Malik. “I was fortunate to make several long putts on the challenging greens. The speed on these greens can be tricky, but when you get in the zone, it feels effortless.
“I haven’t had much time for golf lately as I just became a father. I’m thrilled to be back on the course and competing in the season’s first event.”
Angad Cheema, who recently participated in the UK Open qualifying event, achieved a 40-foot eagle on the sixth hole, along with five birdies and two bogeys.
Delhi amateur Rakshit Dahiya (72-71) made an impressive cut, finishing tied for 12th with a total of one-under 143.
Local player Varun Parikh (74-70) finished a shot behind in tied 15th, being the only golfer from Ahmedabad to qualify.