Mishra opens up two-shot lead as Yadav slips to second place in the IGU Visakhapatnam golf

On another tough scoring day, Order of Merit leader Anshul Mishra found his rhythm and range midway through the second round on Wednesday to open up a two-shot lead at the IGU Andhra Pradesh Amateur Golf Championship at the East Point Golf Club here.

The 17-year-old Kolkatan added a one-under 71 to his opening 70 for a two-day total of three-under 141. Playing partner and joint overnight leader Deepak Yadav was forced to grind in blustery conditions, shooting a one-over 73 to slip two strokes behind the leader.

Anshul Mishra, Deepak Yadav hit the front as only three golfers return sub-par scores

Following a gritty one-under 71, Vinamra Anand, winner of the season opener in March, sat two shots further back in third place at one-over 145, becoming one of only two golfers besides the leader to shoot a sub-par score on the second day.

Shashank Sachin Gadre (74) was in sole fourth place, while Hiransh Singh, third overnight, slipped to the eighth place after shooting a disappointing six-over 78.

Anshul Mishra, however, regrouped before much damage could be done

Mishra had got off to a poor start

Mishra, a 10th tee starter, got off to a poor start after finding the hazard with his driver tee shot and settled for a bogey six. On the par-3 16th, he found the water with his 5-iron tee shot to drop another shot.

However, the youngster, already a winner this season, regrouped before much damage could be done. He sank a tricky 12-foot putt for birdie on the 18th hole to regain his confidence. After the turn, Mishra birdied the first three holes to go to two-under for the day. He holed an eight-footer on the first, nailed the pin on the second and sank a 12-footer on the third hole.

An unlucky bogey on the eighth hole spoilt his card a bit. Attempting to ride the wind with a 9-iron tee shot, he was left way short by the swirling gusts. After a poor chip, he missed a 15-foot par putt to settle for a 71.

Leading scores (after 36 holes): 141: Anshul Mishra (WB, 70, 71); 143: Deepak Yadav (Del, 70, 73); 145: Vinamra Anand (UP, 74, 71); 146: Shashank Sachin Gadre (Mah, 72, 74); 147: Ribhav Verma (Har, 74, 73); 148: Jai Gupta (Chd, 76, 72), Anas Khan (Del, 75, 73); 149: Hiransh Singh (Del, 71, 78).