Nakajima and Chacarra Share Hero Indian Open Lead
Seoul, Korea - Keita Nakajima stands poised to defend his title at the Hero Indian Open, sharing a commanding two-shot lead with Eugenio Chacarra as the tournament progresses to the weekend. The action unfolds at the scenic DLF Golf and Country Club, where the players faced a challenging setup in the tournament's midway point.
In a remarkable display of skill, Nakajima catapulted to the forefront with a six-under-par 66 in the second round, a significant eight-shot improvement over his initial 74. This surge positioned him alongside the Spaniard Chacarra, each tallying four under as they entered the crucial weekend phase.
Last year's triumph marked Nakajima's debut DP World Tour victory, achieved in just his 11th tour appearance. Drawing on this past experience proved vital as the DLF course's demanding conditions tested the field, with only 14 competitors ending the day under par.
The Japanese golfer's day began with a swift birdie at the first hole, followed by a stunning sequence of five consecutive birdies from the third through the seventh. Another birdie before the turn kept his momentum, although a bogey at the 11th slightly marred his impeccable run. Despite the toughening course conditions, Nakajima managed a birdie at the 13th, though a subsequent bogey and a final birdie saw him sharing the lead with Chacarra, who himself carded a 70, marked by a mix of six birdies, two bogeys, and a double bogey.
Emerging talents like Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and established players including Dutchman Joost Luiten and England’s Matthew Jordan find themselves in a close contest for third, setting the stage for an enthralling weekend.
Nakajima shared his thoughts on the day's play: "It was a great day and also so much fun. The key was staying patient on such a challenging course. I'm a bit nervous about defending my title, but I'm focusing on enjoying the game, keeping a smile on my face, and staying patient."
As the tournament heads into its decisive rounds, all eyes will be on Nakajima and Chacarra, who both look to capitalize on their lead in the pursuit of the coveted title at the Hero Indian Open.