October 20, 2007	Saturday	Shawwal 7, 1428

LAHORE, Oct 19: Shahid Khan of Bangladesh, with a two-day aggregate 142, emerged as new leader in Pakistan National Amateur Golf Championship, leaving behind first day leader Taimur Hassan of Pakistan and Chandradassa of Sri Lanka at Lahore Gymkhana course on Friday.

The new leader started the day from tee no.10 and came up with a string of eight pars and one birdie, completing the back nine in 36.

On the front half, his steadiness rewarded him with some fruitful birdies on the 1st hole, the 6th and the 7th. The only bogie was registered on the short par-3, 5th hole.

From Pakistan’s point of view, the prospects in the championship still remains good because defending champion Tariq Mehmood continues to hound the leader.

On the second day, Tariq was once again pretty efficient and his score of 72 was the result of two birdies (holes 11 and 16), 14 pars and two bogies (holes 13 and 14). Tariq’s two days aggregate is 143, one under par.

Bracketed with Tariq at 143 is SL’s Chandradasa with a second round score of 73.

India’s Rahul Bakshi, who was way behind after a poor 76 on the first day, rallied exceedingly well for a brilliant showing on the second day.

He dazzled with six birdies on holes 2,7,8,13,14 and 15 and his two-round score adds up to 144.

Four other contenders — Rashid Khan (India), K.Prabagran (Sri Lanka), Moin Malik (India) and Ahmed Jamal (Bangladesh) are tied at 146 while Aadil Jehangir and M.Safdar of Pakistan) have scored 147 each.

Meanwhile, the international team match concluded on Friday and Pakistan were just a little bit unlucky to lose to India by a single stroke.

Indian team’s score for two days was 436 compared to Pakistan’s 437. Bangladesh came third.

Among the ladies - from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Iran, and hosts Pakistan - Tahira Nazir, Mehreen Raheel of Pakistan and Sri Lanka’s Nilo Jayathillake were all tied at 79.