Veer Ahlawat builds a three-shot lead in the second round of Cidco Open

Gurgaon’s Veer Ahlawat on his way to a three-shot lead after day two of the Cidco Open at the Kharghar Valley Golf Course in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday. Image courtesy of PGTI.

By Rahul Banerji

Leader Veer Ahlawat held a three-shot lead over the field after day two of the inaugural Cidco Open at the Kharghar Valley Golf Course in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday.

Ahlawat shot a second consecutive 6-under-par 65 at the Rs 1 crore event presented by Larsen & Toubro, the PGTI said.

The 2024 PGTI Order of Merit champion Ahlawat equaled his course record from the first round to a total of 12-under 130 midway through the stage and extended his lead by a shot overnight.

Italian Michele Ortolani (67-66) posted a bogey-free 5-under 66 to improve from a tie for second on the night to sole second at 9-under 133.

Koichiro Sato (67-68) of the US was third at 7 under 135, while 51 professionals made the cut at 4 over 146.

On Wednesday, Gurgaon’s Ahlawat scored seven birdies and a bogey for the second day in a row with some quality driving, making birdies on all four par-5 holes.

He also converted a twenty-footer and made two tap-ins for birdies.

On point

“I made a lot of good tee shots and approaches and I executed my plans well,” Ahlawat said.

“I took advantage of the par-5s and the shorter par-4s today. I’ve been in a good rhythm since the first round and continued that momentum today.

“When I played today in the morning session, I felt that the course played a little longer in the morning due to the slightly colder weather.

“However, there was no wind today so that created more scoring opportunities. I made a great par save from a difficult position on the 18th.^e That ensured that I was able to end my round on a positive note.”

Previous PGTI winner Manu Gandas (68-68) and Divyanshu Bajaj (71-66) finished only fourth and fifth.

Also read: Ahlawat has a two-shot lead on day one of the first Cidco Open

Related