Bengaluru, Sep 23 Veteran golfer Khalin Joshi fired a four-under 68 to extend his lead to six shots at the halfway stage of the Bengaluru Open 2026 here on Wednesday.
At the Karnataka Golf Association greens, Joshi (61-68), who began the day four strokes ahead after firing a career-best 11-under 61 in round one, made five birdies and a solitary bogey to reach 15-under 129.
Joshi remained bogey-free until his 16th hole of the day, the par-four seventh, where he dropped his only shot of the round.
“It was another solid day,” Joshi said. “I’m pleased with the way I’ve played over the first two rounds and satisfied with where I am. I’m now looking forward to the final two days.”
Joshi began his second round with consecutive birdies and added three more before his only blemish on the seventh.
Local teenager Manoj S (65-70) retained second place at nine-under 135 after returning a two-under 70.
The 18-year-old’s eventful round featured five birdies, one bogey and a double bogey.
Four players shared third place at seven-under 137: Gurugram’s Manu Gandas (69-68), Greater Noida’s Saptak Talwar (67-70), Delhi’s
Shaurya Bhattacharya (66-71) and Gurugram’s Veer Ahlawat (68-69).
Bengaluru’s Mari Muthu R. (67-71) slipped from an overnight shared fourth to seventh at six-under 138.
The halfway cut fell at one-over 145, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.
(PTI News)
