SPORTS NEWS – Sunit Chowrasia shoots course record 64 to take two-shot lead at DP World PGTI NexGen Varanasi
Khabarilaal News Desk :
Varanasi. Kolkata golfer Sunit Chowrasia produced a stunning course-record round of six-under 64 to surge into a two-shot lead after the second round of the inaugural DP World PGTI NexGen–Varanasi being played at the BLW Greens Golf Course. With a total score of nine-under 131, Chowrasia now heads into the final round as the favorite for a third consecutive title.
Chowrasia eyes hat-trick of titles
The 31-year-old, who currently leads the DP World PGTI NexGen Order of Merit, arrived in Varanasi in red-hot form after winning the Alpha Sports Academy Golf Championship in Patna and last week's Vijay Kumar Memorial tournament in Lucknow.
Starting from the par-5 ninth hole in the shotgun format, Chowrasia picked up an early birdie before producing four more birdies between the 14th and 18th holes. Another gain on the fourth hole helped him card a course-record six-under 64, the joint-lowest round of the tournament so far.
Speaking after his round, Chowrasia said he was delighted with his performance and satisfied to be back at the top of the leaderboard heading into the final day.
He credited his strong driving and consistent putting for his impressive score and said he plans to stick to the same approach that has worked successfully over the last few weeks.
Local golfer Hemant Yadav shines on home course
Varanasi's Hemant Yadav also delivered a memorable performance, matching the course record with a brilliant six-under 64. The 28-year-old BLW employee climbed from tied sixth place to sole second position at seven-under 133, just two shots behind the leader.
Playing on his home course, Hemant fired seven birdies against a lone bogey to move firmly into title contention.
Reflecting on his round, Hemant said he was pleased with the score despite missing a few makeable putts and remains confident ahead of the final round.
Mukeem Ali remains in contention
Mathura's Mukeem Ali, who shared the overnight lead, carded a two-under 68 to stay in the race at five-under 135 and third place.
Delhi's Pawan Verma continued his consistent form with a second consecutive round of 68, placing him fourth at four-under 136.
Kolkata's Souvik Nayak occupied fifth place at two-under 138 after posting back-to-back rounds of one-under 69.
Meanwhile, overnight co-leader Dipankar Kaushal slipped to tied ninth after a difficult round of 75 left him at two-over 142.
36 players qualify for final round
The cut was set at six-over 146, with 36 of the 72 participating golfers advancing to the final round.
The winner of the 2026 DP World PGTI NexGen Order of Merit will earn a coveted exemption to compete on the main DP World PGTI Tour during the 2027 season.
Platform for emerging golfers
Launched in 2025, the NexGen Tour serves as the developmental circuit of the DP World PGTI. The initiative aims to provide greater playing opportunities for professional golfers across India while expanding the sport’s reach into Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities.
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