Khalin Joshi lying T7 in Taifong Open

Khalin Joshi lying T7 in Taifong Open, couldn't capitalise on a spectacular start following first round of 66

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Khalin Joshi shot 73 on Friday in the Taifong Open

Edited by Anand Datla

August 01, 2015: Khalin Joshi failed to capitalise on a spectacular start at the Taifong Golf Club, following his first round 66 with a 73 in the second round to slip back to 5-under through 36 holes. Jordan Sherratt of Australia birdied his closing two holes for a five-under-par 67 to seize a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Taifong Open on Friday.

The 27-year-old, who is chasing for a first career title, soared to the top of the leaderboard on nine-under-par 135 at the US$160,000 Asian Development Tour (ADT) event.

Joshi, who made nine birdies on Thursday was far from his best, carding two bogeys before he made the turn in 38 shots. The Coorgi golfer gave away one more shot at the tenth, before steadying himself for the best part of his second round.

Khalin ended on a high note, posting birdies at the 17th and 18th holes to sign off on a one over 73. He is locked in a six way tie, four shots off the pace set by Sherratt.

Local teenager Lee Chieh-po fired a 68 to share second place alongside countryman Lin Wen-tang (70), a six-time Asian Tour winner, and Thailand’s Pijit Petchkasem (67) at the Taifong Golf Club.

Playing in his second year at the Taifong Open, Sherratt took advantage of his familiarity on the course as he put himself in prime position to challenge for the title. He was two-under for the day after 11 holes but shifted into fifth gear when he birdied 11, 12, 17 and 18.

“I feel comfortable on the golf course. There are a few daunting tee shots here because of the narrow fairways but some of it suits my eye. I remembered how to play some of the holes and maybe that’s why I feel comfortable here,” said Sherratt.

The 20-year-old Lee holed a huge 30 feet birdie on the 12th hole to charge into contention. Despite trailing by two shots, Lee was disappointed not to return with a flawless scorecard.

“I was bogey free yesterday but made some mistakes today which I’m not too happy. I think I can do better. I’ve been improving gradually. I will try and improve my game step by step,” said Lee, who finished tied fifth at Qualifying School earlier this year.

Pijit bounced into form after missing numerous cuts on the ADT this year. The Thai played consistently from tee to green, missing only one fairway in regulation and needed to make only 23 putts in a round of seven birdies.

“My goal was just to make the cut. After that, you never know where you will finish. But now that I know I’m close to the leader, I will try my best and chase the leader. All my birdies were inside five-feet and I never missed any birdie chances from that range,” said the Thai.

The halfway cut was set at one-over-par 145 with a total of 58 players qualifying for the weekend rounds.

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Source: Asian Tour

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