Shubhankar Sharma fired a seven-under 65 to establish a four-shot lead after the second round of the INR 2 crore Vishwa Samudra presents Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship powered by NALCO at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.
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The 30-year-old (68-65), who began the day two strokes behind overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya, made an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to reach 11-under 133.
A two-time winner on the DP World Tour, Shubhankar returned to the winner’s circle at the Boulders Classic on the DP World PGTI in April, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title.
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Brashwarpal Singh (72-65) matched Shubhankar for the lowest score of the day. His seven-under 65 featured eight birdies and a solitary bogey as he surged from tied 11th overnight to second place at seven-under 137.
Overnight leader Shaurya (66-72) of Delhi slipped to third at six-under 138 after an even-par 72 containing three birdies and three bogeys.
Khalin Joshi (72-67), a four-time winner on the DP World PGTI this season, climbed from tied 11th to fourth at five-under 139. His 67 featured an eagle on the par-five fourth, five birdies and two bogeys. Khalin entered the week second in the Race to DP World India Championship.
Shubhankar was particularly encouraged by the control he displayed with his ball-striking after struggling to bring the different parts of his game together in recent weeks.
“I played really well and felt very solid throughout the round,” he said. “My ball-striking had not been at its best over the past few weeks, even though there was not much wrong with my game. Today, everything came together.
“I hit the ball exactly where I wanted, shaped shots both ways and felt in complete control. I could have holed a few more putts, but I’m very pleased with the day.”
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The highlight of Shubhankar’s round came on the par-five fourth. After finding the left half of the fairway with his drive, he struck a six-iron from approximately 212 yards to 18 feet and converted the eagle putt.
“The putt just caught the left edge,” he said. “Most of my shots came off exactly as I had visualised them, and that was the most encouraging part.”
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Shubhankar continued creating opportunities throughout the round, including on the final hole, where he struck his approach to about five feet but missed the birdie putt.
“There were several shots like that today,” he said. “Those are positive signs for this tournament and also for my preparations for next week.”
