KARACHI, Jan 19: England’s Simon Hurd continued his inspirational run in the second round after a bogey free seven-under-par 65 at the Pakistan Open on Friday. After a consistent opening round, Hurd remained calm and collected six birdies for an 11-under-par 133 total at the US$300,000 event. Malaysia’s Airil Rizman Zahari remained in lone second position after a 68 two strokes off the pace.

Australia’s Scott Hend, who is a former US PGA Tour player, was in joint third when he improved with a 66 at the Karachi Golf Club to tie alongside Scotsman Barry Hume and India’s Uttam Singh Mundy as both players fired matching 68s for a 136 total. Ashok Kumar shot six birdies for a 66 as the Indian talent stood in sixth spot on 137.

Local player Mohammad Shabbir slid down the ranks as he was even-par for the day to a 138 total in joint seventh place.

“The deciding factor for me is that I had time off the game. I am coming here with a free mind now and just play the game with a smile on my face, and enjoy it,” said Hurd, who shot birdies on the second, seventh, ninth holes. He was on a roll with three straight birdies on the 11th, 12th, and 13th holes and ended his commanding run with a final birdie at the 16th hole.

Leading second round scores