Keita Nakajima leads way as storms stop play at Indian Open

Japan's Keita Nakajima opened up a two-shot lead on day two of the Hero Indian Open before storms curtailed play in New Delhi.

He carded a second consecutive 65 to get to 14 under and lead the way from France’s Romain Langasque, with Italian Matteo Manassero a further shot back.

Nakajima enjoyed a stellar amateur career, topping the rankings for a record 87 weeks before sealing a tie for 12th on his professional debut on the PGA Tour at the 2022 Zozo Championship.

He topped the rankings on the Japan Golf Tour in his first full season in the paid ranks and is now looking for a first DP World Tour win in his rookie campaign on the Europe-based circuit.

"I’m comfortable," he said of being top of the leaderboard. "I’m looking forward to tomorrow."

Leaderboard

Nakajima shared the lead overnight and seven birdies in eight holes from the fourth handed him a six-shot advantage before he made three bogeys in a row from the 14th.

That saw him caught by Langasque – who signed for a 66 – but the 23-year-old finished birdie-eagle to edge back in front.

"The birdie on the 17th was big for me because I made the three bogeys before," Nakajima added.

"It was good, the birdie-eagle finish. The back nine is more tricky, the front nine you can be more aggressive. Two more days and I’ll try my best."

Dutchman Joost Luiten was the best-placed of the players returning to finish round two on Saturday, sitting at 10 under with three to play.

Norwegian Espen Kofstad smashed the course record with a 62 that was 19 shots better than his opening 81 and left him at one under.