KARACHI: A semblance of normalcy was restored at the DHA Golf Club with the country’s top golfer atop the leaderboard at the Independence Day Cup Open at the end of the second round on Saturday.

After the first round had ended with little-known Dilshad Ali and Mohammad Saeed topping the scores, Shabbir Iqbal — showing the form that carried him to the CNS Open title last month — shot a 68 to move clear in first place at five-under 139.

Shabbir will take a one-stroke lead into the final round with Zohaib Asif just behind at 140 after a 69. His long-time rivals Matloob Ahmed (70) and Waheed Baloch (68) are a further stroke adrift.

Dilshad slipped three strokes behind the leader after his 72 and is tied with Imran Ali Khan (71) and Mohammad Naeem (70).

Ahmed Baig, the youngster who has ran Shabbir close in tournaments over the last few years, is one of three golfers on 143 after his 70. Alongside him are Shahid Javed Khan and Mohammad Shahzad who both posted a 71.

Mohammad Munir, another of Pakistan’s top golfers, will start the third round 10 shots off the lead after his 72. Saeed, the joint-leader in the first round, is even further behind at 151.

In the amateurs’ contest, the Shikoh brothers will start the final round as joint leaders.

Omar Shikoh Khan’s 70 saw him draw level with his brother Arsalan (74) at 147. They are a shot ahead of Maj Sharjeel (73) and two ahead of national amateur champion Omar Khalid (76).

Saim Shazli (77) is a distant fourth at 154, one shot ahead of Yashal Shah, the winner of the Sindh Amateurs last week, and Hamza Ghani.

Published in Dawn, August 29th, 2021