Sizzling Himmat Rai soars to lead
Johor Bahru (Malaysia): Himmat Rai can well
become the next Indian to win an Asian Tour title after the
22-year-old golfer mastered the course and inclement weather
to soar to the top of the leaderboard in the Iskandar Johor
Open here today.
The young Indian, who only had 30 minutes to rest after
completing his first round, was in superb form as he followed
his 64 with a brilliant five-under 67 for a two-day total of
13-under 131 at the USD one million event, which has been
reduced to a 54-hole stroke play tournament.
Inclement weather continued to affect play throughout the
two rounds, leaving officials no choice but to reduce the
tournament and play will resume early tomorrow to allow 24
players complete their second round.
Looking for his maiden win on the Asian Tour, Rai fired a
remarkable eagle on his second hole when his chip found the
hole from 10 yards. He posted four more birdies against one
bogey before taking a one-stroke lead.
"It is really satisfying because I have been practicing
hard. My game plan with my caddie worked out well for us and I
am glad to be on top of the leaderboard," said Rai.
Despite completing nine holes this morning, Rai held his
nerve and continued his surge up the leaderboard and managed
to break away from Choi and Beck with a birdie on the 16th
hole.
"Resuming play this morning did not perturb me because as
a professional, I have to prepare myself mentally for rounds
such as this. Everything went my way today, I hit my shots
well and took full advantage of that. This is my best
performance so far this season," said the Indian.
Trailing him one shot behind was Korean KJ Choi and
Australian Darren Beck.
Among other Indians who completed their second round
before the weather suspension was Ashok Kumar (139), Jyoti
Randhawa (140), C Muniyappa (141) and Gaurav Ghei (146).
Bureau Report