Panasonic Open: Birdie blitz gives Chiragh Kumar lead

A career-threatening ankle injury had pegged him back three years ago — he was even forced to withdraw on the opening day of the 2012 Panasonic Open India.

But just like he has shrugged off injury issues to come back strong, Chiragh Kumar on Friday overcame a poor start to fire six consecutive birdies en route to a six-under 66 at the halfway stage of the event at the Delhi Golf Club.

The local pro, a 10th tee starter, went on the birdie blitz from the 15th to the 2nd holes after missing a five-foot birdie putt on the 14th. Prior to that, he had two bogeys in his first four holes. But at the end of the day’s play, Chiragh was three strokes clear of the field.

“I told myself not to let the poor start get to me. I missed a short birdie putt on the 14th hole and decided to move on. Everything fell into place after that so I’m glad I missed that putt!” said the 31-year-old, who secured his Asian Tour card at the Macau Open three weeks back.

Chiragh, a doting father after arrival of daughter Aynaz eight months ago, believes ‘learning to be patient’ has held him in good stead of late. “This comes with age, maturity and some experience. You keep grinding it out until the round is over.

“I’m playing well and the chances keep coming. If I keep doing what I’ve been doing then I’ll have a lot more opportunities to contend for titles,” added Chiragh, who fired nine birdies on the day.

The cut fell at three-over-par 147 with a total of 71 players, including 30 Indians, qualifying for the weekend rounds. Three other Indians in the top 10 were Vikrant Chopra (68), Shankar Das (71) and S. Chikka (71), who recently defended his Take Solutions title on the ADT Tour in Bengaluru.

Overnight leader by a stroke Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka, looking for his maiden Asian Tour title win, could not repeat his Day One’s heroics on Friday. He slipped to second place after a 70 that included a double bogey on the 13th hole. He, however, recovered with four birdies on his back nine to stay in the contention.

“At DGC, one bad shot can take away a good round. I played quite well except for the double bogey. I was on the fairway but my second shot bounced into the bush which was disappointing,” said Perera.

Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman battled to a 70 to be joint third, while favourites Jyoti Randhawa and Rashid Khan carded an even-par 72 and 71, respectively. Rashid, who was five-under at one point until he hit two double bogeys on the closing holes was joined by Khalin Joshi in tied 18th.

Digvijay Singh squeezed into the money rounds after stumbling to a 76 that included six bogeys.