Power-packed: Niemann strikes a rousing tee-shot on the 16th hole.
| Photo Credit: Kamesh Srinivasan
Joaquin Niemann tackled the tricky course with great poise as he led with a 6-under 138 on the second day of the $2 million International Series golf championship at the DLF Club on Friday.
The 26-year-old Chilean, who has four titles on the international circuit, shot a four-under 68 for the day, to build on his 2-under score from the first round.
The backlog of unfinished first-round matches delayed the start of the second round, and thus half the field was unable to finish the round and decide the cut.
While Anirban Lahiri did well to improve his chances with a 1-under 143, the same as the reigning PGA Major winner, Bryson DeChambeau, four players Ollie Schneiederjans, Kazuki Higa, Jose Toledo and Chase Koepka did well to stay close to the leader.
Niemann was a class act. He was consistently brilliant in recording 2-under in the front and back 9s. He had an eagle on the par-5 eighth hole and hit a phenomenal tee shot on the 16th. He was tactically sharp and flawless in his execution as he hit par on 15 holes.
Quite remarkably Niemann had dropped only one shot in 36 holes.
“I had to hit high and soft, and it came out just perfect. Got a great catch from the hole,” said Niemann about the eagle on the eighth.
“You have to hit your tee shots well, and find the right lines. Everything can come down to the last hole. There is still a lot of golf left to play, and I am looking forward to it.”
Anirban Lahiri was pleased to find his rhythm, despite all the commitments as the host, and looked forward to building up his game over the weekend.
Bryson DeChambeau was also confident after having finished the first round 1-under in the morning, and managing a par in the second round.
“A couple of four or five-unders should do it. Totally doable. I just need to get my ball striking into a better place. I am a bit rusty,” said DeChambeau.
The leading scores (second round): 1. Joaquin Niemann (70, 68) 138; 2. Ollie Schniederjans (USA) (71, 69), Kazuki Higa (Jpn) (69, 71) 140; 4. Jose Toledo (Gtm) (75, 66) 141; 5. Chase Koepka (USA) (70, 72) 142; 6T. Anirban Lahiri (72, 71), Bryson DeChambeau (USA) (71, 72) 143; 8T. Cameron Tringale (USA) (72, 73), Soomin Lee (Kor) (75, 70) 145; 10T. Santiago De la Fuente (Mex) (70, 76), Jeunghun Wang (Kor) (71, 75), Wooyoung Cho (Kor) (72, 74), Joel Stalter (Fra) (70, 76) 146.
Published – January 31, 2025 07:10 pm IST
