Ajeetesh Sandhu Leads Chennai Open 2026

Ajeetesh Sandhu fired a six-under 66 to open a two-shot lead after the second round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open 2026 Powered by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course in Chennai.

The 37-year-old from Chandigarh, who began the day sharing the lead, made eight birdies against two bogeys to reach 13-under 131 at the halfway stage.

Sandhu, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI and a former Asian Tour champion, moved two strokes clear of overnight co-leader Stepan Danek. The 29-year-old Czech Republic golfer made six birdies and two bogeys in a four-under 68 to take sole possession of second place at 11-under 133.

Delhi’s Rashid Khan, winner of the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks ago, occupied third place at 10-under 134. His four-under 68 included an eagle on the par-five 18th, four birdies and two bogeys.

Sandhu played both nines in three-under but particularly enjoyed the front nine, which was his second nine of the day, because it contains some of the course’s more demanding holes.

Sandhu felt he struck the ball better than during the opening round and found his rhythm earlier. A couple of timely par saves helped him settle before his late setback, a three-putt bogey on the eighth.

This is Sandhu’s first appearance at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course. His only previous tournament in Chennai came during his first season as a professional.

Sandhu has also enjoyed the local cuisine, turning to idlis and dosas as part of his preparation for the humid conditions.

Current Race to DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar moved up from tied sixth to tied fourth at nine-under 135, alongside Noida golfers Gaurav Pratap Singh and Amardeep Malik.

Defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka followed his opening 69 with a 70 to move into a share of 11th place at five-under 139.

The halfway cut fell at even-par 144, with 52 players from the field of 132 advancing to the final two rounds.

The Race to DP World India Championship crowns the DP World PGTI’s number one player.

Ajeetesh Sandhu's performance has put him in a strong position to win the tournament, and he will look to maintain his lead in the final two rounds.

The Chennai Open 2026 is an important tournament in the DP World PGTI calendar, and the winner will receive a significant prize and points towards the Race to DP World India Championship.

The tournament has attracted a strong field of golfers from India and abroad, and the competition is expected to be fierce in the final two rounds.

The outcome of the tournament will have a significant impact on the Race to DP World India Championship standings, and golf fans will be eagerly watching the final two rounds to see who will emerge victorious.