Matloob takes commanding lead at CNS Golf

As the tournament progresses, the KGC course continues to challenge even the best golfers

KARACHI:

The 27th Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) Open Golf Championship took a dramatic turn on its second day as Matloob Ahmed surged ahead to claim the top spot with a commanding performance, while Ahmed Baig faced a rollercoaster of a round at the Karachi Golf Club on Thursday.

Ahmed Baig, who had led after the opening day, began the second day strongly, showing his prowess with two birdies on the second and fourth holes. As he made the turn after the first nine holes, he was sitting comfortably at two-under-par (34). However, the back nine proved to be a challenge for him, as he encountered two bogeys on the 11th and 14th holes. Despite this setback, Baig managed to counter with birdies on the 10th and 12th holes, ultimately ending his back nine with a par score. This brought his second-round total to two-under-par (70) and an aggregate score of six-under-par (138).

Matloob's journey on the second day was equally eventful. He began with a birdie on the first hole, but then stumbled with bogeys on the eighth and ninth holes, finishing his first nine holes on one-over-par (37). However, he made a remarkable comeback in the back nine, displaying his resilience by carding four birdies. This incredible performance on the back nine allowed Matloob to end the second round with a remarkable four-under-par (32) and an overall score of three-under for the day. His two-day aggregate score now stands at an impressive seven-under-par (137), putting him in the driver's seat.

As the tournament progresses, the competition remains fierce, and the Karachi Golf Club course continues to challenge even the best golfers. Muhammad Ashfaq's impressive five-under-par (67) in the second round elevated him into the top tier of competitors, where he shares third place with Muhammad Shehzad, both with an aggregate score of five-under-par (139).

Defending champion Shabbir Iqbal, though performing better than in the first round, was unable to break into the top five. His second-round score of two-under-par (70) brought his two-day aggregate to three-under-par (141), placing him in the sixth position.

As the Chief of Naval Staff Open Golf Championship heads into its third day, golf enthusiasts and fans can look forward to more exciting action and unexpected turns in this prestigious tournament. Stay tuned for updates on what promises to be an exhilarating event in the world of golf.