Hack storms into the lead at the halfway mark at the DP World Players Championship

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 of DP World PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Jhared Hack of the US went bogey-free for the second day in a row and held the lead at the halfway mark 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 for a total of 13-under 127 at the Qutab Golf Course.

It moved the experienced American up two places from overnight third to the outright lead, according to the DP World PGTI.

Baisoya (63-65), third in Chhattisgarh last week, also continued to impress in Delhi with a 65 in round two to maintain his second place overnight.

The golfer from Gurgaon, a seven-time PGTI winner, was at 12-under 128 after 36 holes.

Jamal Hossain was third at 11-under 129 while Tapendra Ghai, Dhruv Sheoran, Veer Ahlawat and Amardeep Malik shared fourth place at 8-under 132.

Sharp drop

Overnight leader Kshitij Naveed Kaul (62-71) fell to a tie for eighth place at 7 under 133.

The cut was declared at 1 in 141, with 56 professionals making the money rounds.

Las Vegas native Hack, who was two shots off the lead after the first round, grabbed five shots on the back nine, including an eagle lip-out from 30 feet and a conversion from 15 feet.

The 36-year-old had a quieter first nine, but managed to end it well with birdies on holes eight and nine.

“I played solid golf and hit it where I wanted off the tee,” Hack said later.

“You have to create your birdie opportunities here from the tee because there are a lot of trees here.

“I was quite conservative, but at the same time remained patient and created enough opportunities. I made a fair share of putts.

Hang tight

“I felt a bit bad in the weather conditions on the front nine, in the second half of my lap, so it was a struggle to just hang in there mentally. Now the plan is to just go out there and control what I can do.”

Baisoya mixed seven birdies with two bogeys on Wednesday (holes 14 and 15), but then fought back well with two birdies.

He found the trees on 16 and 17, but a couple of great second shots and two long conversions from the green saw him get away with birdies.

“Ball placement has been crucial for me so far this season. I have done well to find the wider part of the green regularly. My putting has also improved a lot,” Baisoya said later.

“I was proud of my recovery after the two bogeys on the back nine. The two late birdies were the result of some great shots from difficult positions.”

Speaking about the importance of the cut, Amandeep Johl, CEO of PGTI 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 on the Qutab Course closely mirrors global playing conditions.

“Players who make the cut show that they can handle difficult moments, adapt to changing circumstances and make smart decisions.”

Also read: Hack makes DP World PGTI debut with victory at Chhattisgarh Open

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