SportsPosted at: Oct 8 2026 8:08PM


Shubhankar takes command with four-shot lead at Kapil Dev Invitational

Greater Noida, Oct 8 (UNI) Shubhankar Sharma seized command of the Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship, producing a stunning seven-under 65 to establish a commanding four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the INR 2 crore event here on Thursday.
The 30-year-old Chandigarh golfer, who started the second round two shots behind overnight leader Shaurya Bhattacharya, turned the tournament on its head with an eagle, seven birdies and two bogeys to move to 11-under 133 at the Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort.
Sharma's four-shot cushion is the biggest among the leading contenders and puts the two-time DP World Tour winner firmly in the driver's seat heading into the weekend.
The performance also underlined his resurgence this season. Sharma returned to the winner's circle in April when he captured the Boulders Classic on the DP World PGTI, ending an eight-year wait for a professional title.
“I played really well and felt very solid throughout the round. My ball-striking had not been at its best over the past few weeks, even though there was not much wrong with my game. Today, everything came together,” Sharma said.
“I hit the ball exactly where I wanted, shaped shots both ways and felt in complete control. I could have holed a few more putts, but I’m very pleased with the day,” he added.
Chandigarh's Brashwarpal Singh emerged as Sharma's closest challenger after matching the day's best score of 65. His eight-birdie, one-bogey round lifted him from tied 11th overnight to second at seven-under 137.
Overnight leader Bhattacharya, meanwhile, surrendered his advantage after an even-par 72. The Delhi golfer carded three birdies and three bogeys to slip to third at six-under 138, five shots off the pace.
Bengaluru's Khalin Joshi also made a significant move, climbing from tied 11th to fourth at five-under 139 after a 67. His round included an eagle on the par-five fourth, five birdies and two bogeys.
Joshi, a four-time winner on the DP World PGTI this season, came into the week second in the Race to DP World India Championship.
Sharma's charge was built around precise ball-striking, with the highlight coming at the par-five fourth. After finding the left side of the fairway, he struck a six-iron from about 212 yards to within 18 feet and converted the eagle putt.
“The putt just caught the left edge. Most of my shots came off exactly as I had visualised them, and that was the most encouraging part,” he said.
Even a missed five-foot birdie chance on the final hole could not take the gloss off Sharma's round.
“There were several shots like that today. Those are positive signs for this tournament and also for my preparations for next week,” Sharma said.
With his ball-striking back at its best and a four-shot advantage already in hand, Sharma now enters the weekend with the field chasing him rather than the other way around.
Last season's DP World PGTI Order of Merit winner Yuvraj Sandhu was fifth at four-under 140 after a 69, while current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar climbed to tied 31st at three-over 147 following a 72.
Sharma also praised DP World PGTI President Kapil Dev for his contribution to the tour's development, citing increased sponsorship, improved player facilities and greater organisational support.
The Pro-Am preceding the tournament was won by the team of professional Sharma and amateur Rajeev Gupta with 48 Stableford points.
The Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship is presented by Vishwa Samudra and powered by NALCO, with APL Apollo Steel Pipes, Himalayan and Powerade among the event partners.
UNI BDN
Tags: #Shubhankar takes command with four-shot lead at Kapil Dev Invitational
More News

India U17 women’s team down Syria to move closer to U17 Asian Cup qualification

08 Oct 2026 | 10:43 PM

Selayang (Malaysia), Oct 8 (UNI) The India U17 women’s team took another significant step in their AFC U17 Women’s Asian Cup China 2027 Qualifiers campaign with a dominant 2-0 victory over Syria in their second Group E match at the MP Selayang Stadium here on Thursday.

see more..

Temba Bavuma ready for Australia WTC challenge on home soil

08 Oct 2026 | 10:33 PM

Durban, Oct 8 (UNI) South Africa will play their first Test on home soil since defeating Australia in the ICC World Test Championship Final at Lord's last year.

see more..

Rajputana Royals beat Prithviraaj Yodhas in thrilling Archery Premier League season 2 opener

08 Oct 2026 | 10:17 PM

Hyderabad, Oct 8 (UNI) Rajputana Royals laid down the marker early on in Archery Premier League's second edition too as they beat Prithviraaj Yodhas 5-3 in the opening match here on Thursday.

see more..

Jharkhand: Ranchi girl sets Guinness World Record with hula hoop

08 Oct 2026 | 9:40 PM

Ranchi, Oct 8 (UNI) Eleven-year-old Ranchi girl Ashwi Vashishth on Thursday received her Guinness World Records certificate and medal after spinning a hula hoop around her nose 80 times in one minute.

see more..

Union Sports Minister lauds sportspersons from Manipur

08 Oct 2026 | 9:37 PM

Imphal, Oct 8 (UNI) union Youth Affairs and Sports Minister, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, today appreciated the performance of Manipuri players in the just concluded Asian Games at Aichi-Nagoya in Japan.

see more..