08 November 2019: Champions, they solve problems. As might a mathematician or a physicist. After enduring plenty of misery in the opening round, when he playing from one bush to the next, Shubhankar Sharma woke up with a fresh mind and new resolve. Shooting arrows at the Montgomerie course in Belek near Antalya, the 23-year-old climbed relentlessly during a brilliant second round.
Shubhankar shot a blemishless 64, laced with four birdies on either side of a memorable day’s round in the Turkish Airlines Open. He made nearly every fairway and green in regulation as he went about his business with a clinically efficient hand. The fact that he left a short putt on the third and missed by millimetres on the ninth meant that the course record was well within his grasp.
That was left to Robert MacIntyre though, who emulated the record with a spectacular 63 on Friday. At 10-under, he is tied with Justin Harding in the third spot. Ross Fisher is the clubhouse leader at 11-under with Alex Noren chasing the lead with three holes to play, also at the same number.
Alex Noren and Matthias Schwab were also at 11-under with just two holes left to play.
He was four-under through the turn riding a wave of birdies that started at the par-5 13th hole. Shubhankar went for another big swing at the 18th, also a par-5, but sailed his 3-wood just beyond the flag. He was forced to chip his way back before two-putting for par.
But that did nothing to stall his momentum. Shubhankar had endured two bogeys and a double at the par-4 third hole on Thursday, but the wounds were clearly nursed to death in the quiet solitude of the night.
“We have been working the range every day, nothing specific or special for the day,” said Shubhankar. “After the round yesterday, I am glad things fell in place today. I found my rhythm.”
Shubhankar picked up back to back birdies at the start fo his second nine to edge inside the top ten, 7-under through 12 holes. The par at the third should have given him much peace, having conceded a pair of shots on that hole yesterday.
He continued to chip away ever so gently. Shubhankar picked up his seventh birdie of the day at the par-5 fourth hole as he buttressed his place on the leaderboard.
“The putter was good too,” assured Shubhankar. “I am saying that the longest putt was inside 15ft, that is how good I hit it. So, the putter was great too. Nothing to really worry about after a round like today.”
A good effort this week should get Shubhankar into the Nedbank Challenge next week. Who knows, with a little bit of luck, he might even squeeze into the DP World Championship with a last-minute miracle.
But one good round does not make the week and Shubhankar will need to play consistently over the weekend to try and make his case to be among the truly elite golfers on the European Tour when they assemble for the coronation party in the Dubai desert.
