Abhuit Singh Chadha takes one stroke lead in Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational
Tournament host misses the cut as defending champion Shiv Kapur withdraws through injury
Abhuit Singh Chadha of India shot a second round of 65 to go along with his first round 68 to take the 36-hole lead on 11 under par in the 72-hole Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational presented by TAKE at the Chandigarh Golf Club on the Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
In second place with rounds of 69 and 65 on 10 under par is 34 year-old Indian Gaganjeet Bhullah. Bhullah has a career record of 21 professional victories; one on the DP World Tour, 10 on the Asian Tour, one on the Challenge Tour and 10 on the PGTI.
The tournament being staged at Jeev’s home course, the Chandigarh Golf Club, for the fifth year in succession and offers a prize purse of Rs15 million. The field featured 132 participants, including 129 professionals and three amateurs.
Dubai-based 40 year-old Shiv Kapur, the Defending champion, withdrew from the tournament at the 11th hour and did not play in the Pro-Am or first round due to an intercostal chest injury.
Tournament host Jeev Milkha Singh shot rounds of 77 and 75 to miss the 36-hole cut that fell at 143, one under par.
Unchartered territory
The legendary Jeev Milkha Singh is the first Indian professional golfer to have a PGTI event named after him. Jeev conquered uncharted territory over two decades back when he became one of the first Indian golfers to taste success at the international level. Since then he has added many more firsts and Indian records to his name.
Jeev has the rare distinction of being the only Indian to have won the Asian Tour Order of Merit twice (in 2006 & 2008). He has won multiple titles on the European Tour, Japan Golf Tour and Asian Tour and has 14 Major appearances to his name. Jeev has also achieved a career high world ranking of 28, an Indian record.
Tournament host Jeev Milkha Singh said, “I’m excited about hosting the fifth edition of the Jeev Milkha Singh Invitational presented by TAKE. It’s a matter of great pride for me that the tournament has set new benchmarks on the PGTI in recent years in terms of the depth of the field, the handsome prize purse on offer, the fierce competition on display and the excellent playing conditions provided by the host venue Chandigarh Golf Club.”
Leading Second Round Scores (Par 72, 7,073 yards):
1. S. Chadha (Ind) 68. 65. 133.
2. G. Bhullar (Ind) 69. 65. 134.
3. K. Kochhar (Ind) 65. 70. 135.
4. S. Chikkarangappa (Ind) 65. 71. 136.