@NTrustOpen – Anirban Lahiri battles back to T28

February 20, 2016: You would not expect any less from a resilient Anirban Lahiri. The Indian has been battling through up and down rounds of golf as he seeks to establish himself on the PGA TOUR, ever since he arrived in the USA after performing continental duties at the EurAsia Cup. After an insipid first round at the Riviera, that yielded him one over 72, Lahiri fought back on Friday with a classy 67 to gain 47 spots to T28. Jason Kokrak shot a memorable 64 to gain a one shot lead at the halfway stage of the Northern Trust Open.

Chez Reavie remained in second, one behind Kokrak after scoring 67 on Friday. There were three men riding the buggy behind him – Dustin Johnson, Troy Merritt and Bubba Watson were all at 8-under 134, two off the pace.

Overnight leader Camilo Villegas suffered a big letdown. He shot 74 to add to him commanding 63 in the first round to slip outside the top 10.

Korean KJ Choi and Japanese Hideki Matsuyama were being good neighbours, carding 67 each to join a group of eight men in 7th place. The group included Rory McIlroy, who made 69 and Adam Scott who made 68 for a second day running.

Jordan Spieth missed the cut for a thirteenth time in his professional career, despite making a fine 68 in the second round. The American was 8-over at the end of the first round and with everyone below par missing out, Spieth had to pack his bags early. The missed cut will allow McIlroy to regain the top ranking next week.

Back to Lahiri – the Indian had a troubled start to his second round, but bounced back with vengeance. He began with an eagle three on the first hole, but quickly surrendered two bogeys in the next four holes to squander the advantage.

Lahiri made four straight pars, before scoring his second and third birdies of the day at the 10th and 11th holes. He finished his round in style with another birdie at the final hole.