Saarthak Chhibber Leads by Two Shots with Stunning 64 in Round 2

Amardeep Malik, N Thangaraja Tied Second in Tata Steel Tour Championship

Key Points:

• Saarthak Chhibber takes a two-shot lead at 13-under after round two
• Amardeep Malik (64) and N Thangaraja (66) tied for second at 11-under
• Jamshedpur-based professionals trail; Karan Taunk tied 42nd

JAMSHEDPUR – Delhi’s Saarthak Chhibber surged into a sole two-shot lead at 13-under 129 with a flawless seven-under 64 in round two of the Tata Steel Tour Championship 2024. The season-ending INR 3 crore event of the TATA Steel PGTI is being held at Jamshedpur’s Beldih and Golmuri Golf Courses.

Chhibber (65-64), the overnight joint leader, delivered a bogey-free performance, capitalizing on all four par-5 holes (2nd, 9th, 12th, 16th) for birdies. His round included a brilliant 25-foot birdie conversion on the opening hole and a 30-footer on the 17th. The 26-year-old, ranked 27th on the PGTI money list, remains focused on his maiden title.

“These golf courses are tough if you miss fairways,” said Chhibber. “Fortunately, I made three good par-saves to maintain momentum. My strategy remains simple: hit fairways and greens while trusting the process.”

Closely Contested Battle

Noida’s Amardeep Malik (67-64) climbed to tied second, six places up from his overnight position. His impressive 64 included an eagle, six birdies, and a single bogey. Malik, a two-time PGTI winner, sank two 20-foot putts and set up birdies with precise approaches on the 8th and 17th holes.

Sri Lankan golfer N Thangaraja (65-66), who shared the lead after round one, slipped to tied second. Thangaraja’s round of 66 featured eight birdies and three bogeys, highlighted by a chip-in birdie on the third hole.

Notable Performances and Local Pros

Two-time champion Udayan Mane (65) sits fourth at 10-under 132, while PGTI ranking leader Veer Ahlawat (68) is tied ninth at seven-under 135. Defending champion Gaganjeet Bhullar (67), Rahil Gangjee (67), and SSP Chawrasia (71) share the 21st spot at four-under 138.

The local contingent of Jamshedpur professionals had mixed results. Karan Taunk (even-par 142) is tied 42nd, while Digvijay Singh (six-over 148) and Kurush Heerjee (eight-over 150) are tied 54th and 57th, respectively.

The format, where players alternate between Beldih and Golmuri courses, continues over the next two rounds with the par for each round set at 71. The leading groups will start at Golmuri and finish at Beldih.