Jamshedpur, December 4, 2008: Shamim Khan's second round score of four under 66 at the Golmuri Golf Course helped him become the leader after round two of the 6th TATA Open. Shamim, who had returned four under 68 at the Beldih Golf Course during round one, finished the second round with a total of eight under 134. Mandeo Singh Pathania shot an awesome nine under 61 at the Golmuri Golf Course to be tied second along with Ajeetesh Sandhu at six under 136. Pathania's tremendous effort helped him break the course record at Golmuri by two strokes. Ajeetesh Sandhu on the other hand, turned in an even par 72 at the Beldih Golf Course on Thursday.

The cut was declared at five over 147. Fifty seven professionals and two amateurs made the cut. Two more amateurs from the field will join the fifty nine players who made the cut for the last two rounds on Friday and Saturday.

On Wednesday one half of the field had played its 18 holes on the par 72 Beldih Golf Course while the golfers in the other half had completed their rounds at the par 70 Golmuri Golf Course. On Thursday both halves of the field switched venues (those who played at Beldih on day one, played 18 holes at Golmuri on day two and vice-versa).

Shamim Khan (68, 66) made his place at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday as he made seven birdies and three bogeys. Shamim sank birdies on the first, seventh, ninth and bogeys on the fifth and eighth to make the turn at one under. He then hit a purple patch on the back nine when he made birdies on the 11th, 12th, 15th and 16th. The Delhi golfer made his third and last bogey of the day on the 17th.

"I was in great driving form today and hit the ball close on most occasions. I had one really long putt on the 15th, an 18-footer, and I sank that one from the fringe. On the other hand, I made a few mistakes from the fairway. I had an easy opportunity for par on the eighth but I missed the green from the centre of the fairway," said Shamim.

He added, "I might be in the lead at the moment but I do not want to get ahead of myself and would like to play my normal game tomorrow."

Mandeo Singh Pathania (75, 61) set the Golmuri Golf Course on fire with his nine under 61. He sank eagles on the seventh and 16th, and birdies on the first, 11th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 17th. His lone bogey came on the third. Pathania's two eagles came as a result of 8-iron approach shots which landed 10 feet short of the pin.

The professional from Jaypee Greens, Greater Noida, said, "It was an unbelievable round. I driving was superb today and I made greens in regulation on all 18 holes. On the front nine I didn't putt too well but on the back nine it was a different story. I had 11 putts on the back nine. In fact, I missed eagles on the 11th and 12th by inches."

Pathania went on to add, "This was a total turn around from yesterday because in round one I had made three three-putts. My game has picked up since the last three events and I now hope to capitalize on this second round score to post a good finish here."

Chandigarh's Ajeetesh Sandhu (64, 72) joined Pathania in tied second. He stayed in contention after posting an even par 72 at Beldih on Thursday.

Joseph Chakola (73, 64), Feroz Ali Mollah (65, 72) and Ali Sher (68, 69) are all currently tied fourth at five under 137.