- Khalin Joshi prolonged his J&Okay Open 2026 lead.
- He shot a bogey-free 66, reaching 13-under 129.
- Joshi now instructions a considerable seven-shot benefit.
Khalin Joshi strengthened his grip on the J&Okay Open 2026 after producing one other composed show within the second spherical at Srinagar’s Royal Springs Golf Course. The Bengaluru golfer adopted his opening-round 63 with a bogey-free five-under 66 to maneuver to 13-under 129, stretching his benefit to seven photographs heading into the weekend. The 33-year-old has regarded in full management by the opening 36 holes, dropping only one shot throughout two rounds.
Delhi’s Rashid Khan and Chandigarh’s Angad Cheema stay his closest challengers at six-under 136, however Joshi has positioned himself firmly within the driver’s seat within the INR 1 crore event.
Joshi Delivers One other Medical Efficiency
Starting his spherical on the tenth tee, Joshi wasted little time in constructing momentum. A exact five-iron method to inside two ft on the twelfth earned him his first birdie earlier than one other wonderful method on the following gap arrange one other achieve.
He added a 3rd birdie on the third gap after leaving himself a easy end from shut vary.
Learn Extra: Khalin Joshi Shoots Gorgeous 63 To Seize Early Lead At J&Okay Open 2026 In Srinagar
The standout second of the day arrived on the par-five seventh, the place an excellent seven-iron from round 190 yards left him with a 20-foot eagle putt, which he calmly transformed.
“That was among the finest putts I made all day,” stated Joshi. “I struck the ball solidly and gave myself extra possibilities than I did yesterday, however I didn’t convert as many. Contemplating how properly I hit the ball, I in all probability might have shot a bit of decrease rating, however I’m very happy, particularly to maintain the cardboard bogey-free.”
Having already lifted the Andhra Open title earlier this season, Joshi has carried that confidence into Srinagar and now stands on the verge of one other memorable end result.
Chief Targeted Regardless of Commanding Benefit
Though he enjoys a wholesome lead, Joshi shouldn’t be planning to change his technique for the ultimate two rounds. As a substitute, he intends to stay with the fundamentals which have introduced him success thus far.
“The technique will stay easy. The tough is kind of thick, so hitting fairways would be the key,” he stated. “I’ll proceed giving myself birdie alternatives and hopefully convert a number of extra putts over the following two rounds.”
The Bengaluru golfer additionally admitted that taking part in amid the breathtaking environment of Royal Springs has made the week much more gratifying.
“It’s thrilling to see the bears, though protecting a secure distance is necessary,” he stated. “The surroundings right here is unbelievable, so I’m having fun with the environment and the truth that I’m taking part in good golf.”
Behind the chief, Rashid Khan and Angad Cheema carded matching rounds of 68 to stay tied for second.
Stepan Danek of the Czech Republic, Gaurav Pratap Singh, Ajeetesh Sandhu and Joshua Seale occupied a share of fourth place at five-under 137.
In the meantime, teenage rookie Harman Sachdeva slipped to tied eighth after a second-round 73, whereas DP World PGTI Rankings chief Saptak Talwar dropped right into a tie for twenty third.
Following heavy rain earlier within the week, the eleventh gap continued to play as a par-three, whereas the reduce was set at one-over 143, with 50 gamers advancing to the weekend.
