Joshi and Chan share halfway lead in Delhi

Chan Kim from the United States shot a four-under-par 68 on Thursday to tie the lead with fellow rookie India's Khalin Joshi at the SAIL-SBI Open in New Delhi.

Asian Tour rookie Khalin Joshi

NEW DELHI, March 7, 2013 (AFP) - The two newcomers maintained sparkling form with 20-year-old Joshi, who is making his professional debut on the Asian Tour, clocking a three-under-par 69.

Qualifying School winner Chan birdied his last four holes and now has a nine-under-par 135 total in the US$300,000 event.

A shot behind are India's Rashid Khan, who stormed into contention with a sensational 64, and Siddikur of Bangladesh who returned a second successive 68. Indian Rahil Gangjee shot a 66 with two eagles to end the day two shots back.

Title holder Anirban Lahiri worked his way into the title mix with a 68, placing him on 139 alongside another home star Shiv Kapur, who scored a 70, and Thai duo Pawin Ingkhapradit (69) and Thitiphun Chuayprakong (67).

Joshi, India's number one amateur last year, produced the shot of the round with an exquisite chip-in eagle on 14 before rolling in a six-footer at the last hole which he celebrated with a clenched fist.

"I didn't feel any pressure. I just wanted to go out there and do the best that I could. I'm looking forward to the next two days," he said.

Chan produced a grandstand finish in his afternoon round to share the lead with Joshi. "I did feel some nerves in the last two holes and I controlled it well enough and stayed focussed," he said.

Scores after round two of the SAIL-SBI Open being played at par 72, 6,935 Yards Delhi Golf Club course:

135 - Khalin JOSHI (IND) 66-69, Chan KIM (USA) 67-68.

136 - Rashid KHAN (IND) 72-64, SIDDIKUR (BAN) 68-68.

137 - Rahil GANGJEE (IND) 71-66.

138 - Chiragh KUMAR (IND) 68-70.

139 - Anirban LAHIRI (IND) 71-68, Pawin INGKHAPRADIT (THA) 70-69, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 69-70, Thitiphun CHUAYPRAKONG (THA) 72-67.