Karandeep Kochhar Shines with 6-Under 65 at International Series Japan
Kochhar Climbs Leaderboard with Impressive Performance
Chiba [Japan], April 3: Indian golfer Karandeep Kochhar delivered an outstanding performance with a 6-under 65 in the second round of the International Series Japan, held at the Caledonian Golf Club. This remarkable round has propelled him to a Tied-2 position at the halfway mark of the tournament.
With his second consecutive bogey-free round, featuring six birdies, Kochhar advanced seven spots from his previous Tied-9th position in the US$ 2 million event, now just one stroke behind the leader, Hongtaek Kim from Korea.
In another highlight, Indian golf legend Jeev Milkha Singh, a two-time winner of the Asian Tour Order of Merit, showcased his skills by making his first cut on the Asian Tour since 2024. The 54-year-old, primarily competing on the Senior Tours, carded a 69 to finish at one under par, right at the cutline.
Kim, who had a strong start with a 64 in the first round, added a 67 today to reach a total of 11-under. Both Kochhar (67-65) and Japan's Shugo Imahira (67-65) are tied for second place in this season-opening event of The International Series and the third stop on the Asian Tour.
Kochhar's performance reflects his strong start to the season, placing him sixth on the Asian Tour Order of Merit.
"To stay bogey-free, everything has to be on point," Kochhar remarked. "I believe my iron play has been crucial, and my putting has been consistent, which has positively influenced my game so far."
Kim, who previously won the GS Caltex Maekyung Open on the Asian Tour, demonstrated his ability to adapt after facing challenges early in the round. "I struggled with my shots initially, but I managed to identify the issues and made necessary adjustments. After that, I settled down and improved my game," he explained.
Despite a bogey on the third hole, Kim quickly regained his composure, making five birdies to take the lead as the weekend approaches, with rain expected.
"With the rain, achieving distance will be tougher, so staying on the fairway is crucial. I’ll focus on being patient, saving par when necessary, and playing well around the greens," he added.
Imahira, a highly decorated Japanese golfer, showcased his talent by eagling two par fives, the sixth and the 18th holes. "This course offers many birdie opportunities, and I aimed to capitalize on them," said Imahira, a ten-time champion on the Japan Golf Tour.
"Playing in Japan gives me an edge, and I aim to be in contention after the third round. Winning international events is one of my goals, and I will strive to achieve that," he concluded.
In an unexpected turn, Richard T. Lee's impressive streak of 25 consecutive cuts made on the Asian Tour since 2023 came to an end as he finished with a 73, ending even par. Lee had recently gained attention after a playoff loss to American Bryson DeChambeau at LIV Golf Singapore.