Chhattisgarh Open winner Jhared Hack of the US shot into the lead after day two of the Rs 1.5 crore DP World Players Championship at the Qutab Golf Course in New Delhi on Wednesday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Jhared Hack of the US went bogey-free for a second straight day to hold the halfway lead at the Rs 1.5 crore DP World Players Championship in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Hack (64-63), fresh from his win at the season-opener in New Raipur last week, followed Tuesday’s 64 with an even better 7 under par 63 to total 13 under 127 at the Qutab Golf Course.
It took the experienced American up two places from overnight tied third into the outright lead, the DP World PGTI said.
Baisoya (63-65), third in Chhattisgarh last week also continued to impress in Delhi with a 65 in round two to maintain his overnight second place.
The Gurgaon-based golfer, a seven-time PGTI winner, was on 12-under 128 after 36 holes.
Jamal Hossain was third on 11 under 129 while Tapendra Ghai, Dhruv Sheoran, Veer Ahlawat and Amardeep Malik shared fourth place on 8 under 132.
Sharp drop
Overnight leader Kshitij Naveed Kaul (62-71) dropped into a share of eighth place on 7 under 133.
The cut was declared at 1 over 141 with 56 professionals making it to the money rounds.
Las Vegas-based Hack, who was two shots off the lead after round one, picked up five shots on the back nine including an eagle lip-out from 30 feet and a 15-foot conversion.
The 36-year-old had a quieter front nine but managed to end it well with birdies on holes eight and nine.
“I played solid golf and hit it where I wanted to off the tee,” Hack said later.
“You need to create your birdie chances off the tee here because there are a ton of trees here.
“I was fairly conservative but stayed patient at the same time and created enough chances. I made my fair share of putts.
Hanging tough
“Felt a bit under the weather on the front nine, in the second half of my round, so it was a battle to just hang in there mentally. Now the plan is to just go out there and control what I can.”
Baisoya mixed seven birdies with two bogeys (holes 14 and 15) on Wednesday but fought back well with two birdies thereafter.
He found the trees on 16 and 17 but a couple of terrific second shots and two long conversions from just off the green saw him come away with birdies.
“Ball placement has been key for me so far this season. I’ve done well to find the wider part of the green regularly. My putting is also much-improved,” Baisoya said later.
“I was proud of my recovery after the two bogeys on the back nine. The two late birdies were a result of a couple of great shots from tough positions.”
Speaking on the importance of the cut, PGTI CEO Amandeep Johl, said, “Cut Day shows whether a player is ready for professional golf at the highest level.
“It tests consistency, patience, and the ability to handle pressure—skills that are essential on international tours.
“At the DP World Players Championship, Day 2 at the Qutab course closely reflects global playing conditions.
“Players who make the cut show that they can manage difficult moments, adjust to changing conditions, and make smart decisions.”
Also read: Hack makes DP World PGTI debut with Chhattisgarh Open win
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