India’s Anirban Lahiri set to turn up the heat at Macao Open

Champion of 2014 in a five-way tie at the top and threatening to go low at his favourite hunting ground

Reading Time:2 minutes

Anirban Lahiri chips on to the green during his three-under 68 in the second round of the Venetian Macao Open. Photos: Asian Tour

Published: 8:38pm, 14 Oct 2016Updated: 11:10pm, 14 Oct 2016

India’s Anirban Lahiri is a staggering 55 under par for his last 14 rounds at the Venetian Macao Open – and by the law of probability he will be first or second when the final putt drops in the US$1.1 million event tomorrow night.

Lahiri moved ominously to the top of a crowded leaderboard after a “disappointing” three-under 68 left him in a five-way tie for the lead at eight-under-par 134 after the second round.

Joint overnight leader Ian Poulter struggled to a three-over 75 to slip back to five under, while European Ryder Cup captain Darren Clarke missed the cut by three shots. World No 14 Branden Grace (69-71) was still in touch but six shots back at two under.

Lahiri, 29, has moulded his game to the Macau Golf & Country Club course with a victory in 2014 sandwiched by two runners-up spots behind Australian Scott Hend.

Indian Chikkarangappa S. stakes his claim on day two.

Lahiri’s 68 on Thursday included an early triple bogey but he recovered to share the lead with compatriot Chikkarangappa S. (69-65), Kalem Richardson (67-67), of Australia, Scott Vincent (70-64), of Zimbabwe, and Thai Sutijet Kooratanapisan (68-66).

“The triple bogey was obviously not the start I was looking for, but I was confident if I could claw myself back, I could put a score together,” said Lahiri.

“I’m still a bit disappointed I didn’t birdie one of the last three holes. However, I’m happy to keep myself in it.”