Chikkarangappa in charge at The DGC Open in Delhi

Chikkarangappa S. (Ind) fired a brilliant second round bogey free six under par 66 to go 10 under total and take a healthy three shot lead in The DGC Open presented by MasterCard at Delhi Golf Club on the Asian Tour boasting a $750,000 prizefund.

Chikkarangappa, who started on the back nine, made four birdies on his first nine, birdied his last two, and hit 18 greens in regulation said, ‘Honestly I am not a fan of this golf course, not a really big fan, but I am just learning how to play every year.’

Chikkarangappa, is being pursued by Rashid Khan (Ind), Sadom Kaewkanjana (Thai), Nitithorn Thippong (Thai), Om Prakash Chouhan (Ind) and England’s Matt Killen all on seven under par.

Kaewkanjana looks the one to watch with two Asian Tour wins to date, as he stands 76th in the OWGR and fourth in the 2023 Asian Tour Order of Merit, having finished tied second in the International Series – Oman and solo fourth in Saudi International.

Nitithorn is the defending champion, taking the trophy and top prize just 12 months ago after a sudden death play-off with Ajeetesh Sandhu (Ind) having played four rounds in seven under par with scores of 68, 70, 70 and 73 on 281.

Dubai based Shiv Kapur (Ind) followed up his first round of 75 with a three under 69 to be on level par 144 for two rounds, making the halfway cut by two shots with 76 players making it through to the weekend.

On completing his round Shiv told Gulf News, ‘I grinded it out well and took advantage of the par fives today and that was the main difference from round one. I just need to get the putter hot on the weekend as I still feel I am in with a shout.’

First round leader Siddikur Rahman (Bang) followed up his first round 65 with a 73 to be in tied seventh place.

Round Two Leaders (6,935 Yards, Par 72)

Chikkarangappa S. (Ind) 68, 66 = 134
N. Thippong (Thai) 67, 70 = 137
R. Khan (Ind) 67, 70 = 137
S. Kaewkanjana (Thai) 70, 67 = 137
O. P. Chouhan (Ind) 69, 68 = 137
M. Killen (Eng) 68, 69 = 137