Suspense Mounts at St Jude Championship: Bhatia and Fleetwood Vie for Victory

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia showcases impressive form with a 9-under par, tying him for second place with Collin Morikawa and Justin Rose, as they chase leader Tommy Fleetwood at the St Jude Championship. Fleetwood seeks his maiden PGA TOUR win as the competition heats up ahead of the weekend.

Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia delivered a commendable performance, following his career-best 8-under 62 with a solid 69, culminating in a 9-under par 36-hole total at the St Jude Championship. Bhatia is tied for second alongside Collin Morikawa and Justin Rose, trailing Tommy Fleetwood by four strokes.

Leading the pack, Fleetwood maintains his position with rounds of 63 and 64, totaling 13-under par. Despite several near-victories and 42 top-10 finishes since 1983, Fleetwood remains in search of his first PGA TOUR triumph. Bhatia, a two-time PGA TOUR winner, played steadily, marking two birdies and a bogey in his first four holes, followed by 14 pars.

World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, after his Open Championship victory, stands at 7-under following a second-round 66, despite three bogeys. Tied for seventh with Bud Cauley, Jacob Bridgeman, and Maverick McNealy, Scheffler aims to close the gap over the weekend. Aaron Rai, also of Indian descent, is at T-39 after shooting 70 and 69, needing to elevate his FedExCup ranking to advance.

Kurt Kitayama surged with a 63, entering the top five, amidst weather disruptions including lightning and delays. As the tournament advances into the weekend, all attention is on Bhatia and Fleetwood—one striving to rise, the other to seize his long-sought victory. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)