Ace Bangladesh golfer Siddikur Rahman, who produced two eagles yesterday, returned in style scoring a five-under-par 67 in the second day to total his halfway score seven-under-par 137 and jumped to joint third in the Panasonic Open India.
Meanwhile, his countryman Zamal Hossain passed a bad day with a three-over-par 75 to slip 22 places to share 24th position with seven other golfers while Rahil Gangjee of India maintained a two-shot lead at the halfway stage at the challenging Delhi Golf Club.
The home favourite rode on a hot putter and accurate drives to emerge as the only player to return with double digits on 10-under-par 134 in the event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India (PGTI).
Wade Ormsby of Australia rolled in five birdies to stay in the hunt as Mithun Perera (67) of Sri Lanka, Terry Pilkadaris (68) of Australia, Siddikur (67) and Indian amateur Pratap Atwal (68), the nephew of Indian star Arjun Atwal, were tied in third on 137, three back from the leader at the $300,000 showcase event.
EurAsia Cup star Siddikur, who is making a return on the Asian Tour after a lengthy back injury, opened with a 12-foot eagle putt before holing a thirty-footer putt from the edge of the eighth green for a second eagle.
“It was an awesome day because I had two eagles. I’m very happy with my putting and short game. My confidence level is still not as high as I would like it to be. I’m also feeling tired. My hitting was good on my front nine. I had a few chances on the back but I’m still happy,” said Siddikur, who started the day on 14th spot.
“I’m not surprised with my position because my short game is really good. I’m confident with my putter. I’m not confident off the tees but when I’m on the green, I know I can hole my putts,” said Siddikur, who won the Indian Open here in 2013.