27 July 2018: Justin Harding is firing like a rocket destined into space. The South African repeated a 64 to take firm control of the leaderboard at 12-under halfway through the Royal Cup. Shiv Kapur kept it consistent, scoring 68 in the second round to remain at T5. Gaganjeet Bhullar played a sensational round of golf to post 65 on Friday. Honey Baisoya stayed on course for a good finish with a 70 in the second round.
Shiv is six off the pace, but a good low round on Saturday can help him bring himself into the conversation as he seeks to defend his title. Shiv made four birdies but also conceded two bogeys as settled for a two under round for the day. He is at six under 134 through 36 holes.
“I was steady today. I think I played better than the score reflects. Overall I kept a lot of mistakes off the card,” reflected Kapur.
“It was frustrating that I three-putted the second hole and made bogey and dropped another shot on hole 12 when my ball caught an unlucky lie. I would have liked to hole a couple more putts but that’s golf. It was a solid 36 holes and a good start to the campaign,” he added.
“I didn’t think the pin positions were unfair. They were tough and they should be. You’ve got the best players in the region playing. Tougher courses just make us better players.
Justin (Harding) looks like he’s playing a different golf course, he’s 12-under-par. He’s in the form of his life. I would have obviously liked to be closer to the lead. But in this game, you can’t really judge it off on how someone else is playing. You just have to set solid goals and stay focused.
I like this golf course and I know that if I come close I have a chance.”
Harding enjoys a three stroke advantage after making six birdies at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club. Jack Wilson shot the best round of the day, a sterling 62 to sit behind Harding.
Jarin Todd and Naoto Nakanishi are heading into the weekend at seven under 133, shooting 67 and 69 respectively.
Khalin Joshi and Viraj Madappa are in T37 at 1-under 139, while Himmat Rai reached the money rounds at an even par 140, posting 72 in the second round.
Chikkarangappa and Rashid Khan squeezed their way into the weekend, staying inside on the number at 2-over through 36 holes. Rashid Khan needed a 69 to stay in Thailand, while an even 70 did the trick for Chikkarangappa.
