Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rashid Khan make cut in Asia-Pacific Open

Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan: Gaganjeet Bhullar, making a comeback from an injury, and Rashid Khan were the only Indians to make the cut at the Asia-Pacific Open Mitsubishi Diamond Cup golf tournament here on Friday.

As the cut fell at three-over 143, only Bhullar (72-70) and Rashid (70-73) survived the midway cut today among the eight Indian golfers who started the week.

Bhullar had two birdies and two bogeys, while Rashid, winner of two Asian Tour titles, had five bogeys and two birdies.

Indians missing the cut were Rahil Gangjee (72-72), Jyoti Randhawa (77-70), Digvijay Singh (74-76), Arjun Atwal (75-75), SSP Chawrasia (77-73) and amateur Viraj Madappa (78-78).

At the top, Thai veteran Prayad Marksaeng fired a two-under 68 without missing a fairway and green to lead after two rounds.

The in-form 49-year-old, who is a nine-time Asian Tour winner, overcame the rain and cold to lead by one-shot on five-under 135 after holing a birdie on the last hole at the Otone Country Club, West course.

K T Kim of Korea birdied three of his last four holes for a 69 to trail by one shot while Japan's Hideto Tanihara, Toshinori Muto, Shunsuke Sonoda and Hyungsung Kim of Korea were a further shot back in tied third position.

Defending champion Hiroyuki Fujita and Ryo Ishikawa shared 18th place after posting a 69 and 71 respectively at the Y150 million (approximately USD 1.2 million) event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour.

The halfway cut was set at three-over 143 with a total of 67 players advancing into the weekend.