DGC expert Siddikur surges into lead with Suradit at Panasonic Open India
Delhi expert Siddikur Rahman of Bangladesh signed for a solid six-under-par 66 to grab a share of the halfway lead with young Thai talent Suradit Yongcharoenchai at the US$400,000 Panasonic Open India on Friday.
After opening his campaign with a flawless 67, Siddikur fired eight birdies against two bogeys to match the efforts of overnight leader Suradit, who returned with a bogey-free 67, on 11-under-par 133 total at the venerable Delhi Golf Club.
Local hotshot Ajeetesh Sandhu carded a 67 to trail the leading duo by one in third place while his playing partner Jazz Janewattananond of Thailand, who also carded a 67, lurked two shots off the pace in fourth.
Placed 97th on the Habitat for Humanity Standings, Siddikur will have the Merit chase at the back of his mind when he bids for a third victory on the region’s premier Tour and second at the Delhi Golf Club in the weekend.
The 33-year-old Bangladeshi is hopeful of turning his season around with a strong showing on his favourite hunting ground, where he holds an impeccable track record on. He needs to finish inside top-60 on the final Merit rankings to keep his card for 2019.
Suradit, who goes by his Thai nickname ‘Art’, has enjoyed a commendable season on the Asian Tour thus far, claiming two top-five finishes which include a joint runner-up result in India two months ago. The 19-year-old is seeking his maiden Asian Tour title this week.
A total of 74 players will progressed into the weekend rounds after making the halfway cut set at two-over-par 146 at the popular event, which is celebrating its eighth consecutive edition on the Asian Tour.
The Panasonic Open India is sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI) and is the second leg of the 2018/19 Panasonic Swing, which is an aggregate points race that spans five events – in Thailand, India, Indonesia, Malaysia and Japan.
