Jamshedpur, Dec. 4 (Source-The Telegraph): Shamim Khan’s second round score of four under 66 at the Golmuri course helped him become the leader after round two of the 6th Tata Open Golf Tournament today.

Shamim, who had returned four under 68 at the Beldih course during round one, finished the second round with a total of eight under 134. Mandeo Singh Pathania shot nine under 61 at Golmuri to be tied second along with Ajeetesh Sandhu at six under 136.

Pathania’s tremendous effort helped him break the course record at Golmuri by two strokes. Ajeetesh on the other hand, turned in an even par 72 at the Beldih course. The cut was declared at five over 147 and 57 professionals and two amateurs made the cut. Two more amateurs from the field will join the 59 who made the cut for the last two rounds on Friday and Saturday.

Shamim Khan (68, 66) made his place at the top of the leaderboard as he made seven birdies and three bogeys. “I was in great driving form today and hit the ball close. I had one really long putt on the 15th, an 18-footer, and I sank that one from the fringe. I made a few mistakes from the fairway. I had an easy opportunity for par on the eighth but I missed the green from the centre of the fairway. I might be in the lead at the moment but I do not want to get ahead of myself and would like to play my normal game tomorrow,” he said.

Mandeo Singh Pathania (75, 61) set the Golmuri course on fire with his nine under 61. He sank eagles on the seventh and 16th, and birdies on the first, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 17th. His lone bogey came on the third.

A professional from Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, Pathania said: “This was a total turn around from yesterday. My game has picked up since the last three events and I now hope to capitalise on this second round score to post a good finish here.”