The DP World India Championship has taken a dramatic turn, with Tommy Fleetwood seizing the lead after a stunning round! But Rory McIlroy, never one to back down, is mounting a serious rally to stay in contention. Could we be witnessing the start of something legendary?
Flawless Fleetwood Pounces; McIlroy Roars Back
[Image source: Getty Images]
By Matt Gault, BBC Sport NI Senior Journalist
DP World India Championship - Second Round Leaderboard:
- -12: Tommy Fleetwood (Eng)
- -11: Shane Lowry (Ire), Brian Harman (US)
- -10: Keita Nakajima (Jpn)
- -9: Brandon Robinson-Thompson (Eng), Joost Luiten (Ned)
Selected Others:
- -8: Matt Fitzpatrick (Eng)
- -7: Ben Griffin (US), Andy Sullivan (Eng)
- -6: Rory McIlroy (NI), Viktor Hovland (Nor)
- -5: Luke Donald (Eng)
[Full Leaderboard Link: (https://www.bbc.com/sport/golf/european-tour/leaderboard)]
Tommy Fleetwood delivered a masterclass on the Delhi Golf Club course, firing a remarkable eight-under 64 to grab the outright lead at the halfway point of the DP World India Championship. Fleetwood’s bogey-free round, packed with eight birdies, propelled him ahead of a strong field, including former Open champions Shane Lowry and Brian Harman. But here's where it gets controversial... some critics argue that Fleetwood's relatively quiet season leading up to this makes his sudden dominance somewhat unexpected, while others point to his FedEx Cup victory as proof of his consistent brilliance. What do you think – is this a sign of things to come for Fleetwood, or just a flash in the pan?
Overnight leader Shane Lowry, who shared the course with Ryder Cup teammate Fleetwood, had a more subdued day. Lowry managed four birdies but a single bogey resulted in a 69, leaving him just one shot behind the leader. Brian Harman, however, stormed up the leaderboard with a blistering 65, also sitting one stroke back.
Fleetwood, currently ranked fifth in the world, is hungry for his eighth DP World Tour title. He comes into this tournament fresh off a victory at the PGA Tour's FedEx Cup in August, demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure. "I hit it in the fairway a lot and gave myself some chances with irons," Fleetwood explained, downplaying his spectacular performance. "It's easy talking about how many things you did well when you shot eight under, but it was a really good round of golf."
While Fleetwood enjoyed a smooth and successful Friday, Rory McIlroy faced a more challenging day on the course. Initially, McIlroy struggled, finding himself ten shots behind the leader after recording two birdies and three bogeys in his first twelve holes. And this is the part most people miss... McIlroy's early struggles highlight the mental fortitude required in golf. It's not just about physical skill; it's about the ability to recover from setbacks and maintain focus.
However, showing his characteristic resilience, the world number two staged a late charge. He picked up four crucial shots in his final six holes to post his second consecutive 69. He now sits at six under par, alongside Ryder Cup teammate Viktor Hovland, firmly within striking distance of the lead. Many fans see McIlroy as the man to beat, regardless of his position on the leaderboard. Do you agree?
US Ryder Cup player Ben Griffin, playing alongside McIlroy and Hovland, also found himself battling back from a slow start. He ultimately carded his second straight 68, placing him four shots behind Fleetwood.
Japan's Keita Nakajima is also in contention at 10 under par after following a 65 with a 69. Meanwhile, Shubhankar Sharma is currently the leading Indian player, sitting at four under par after a bogey-free 66. It's worth noting the importance of local players performing well in their home country. Their success not only boosts their own careers but also inspires a new generation of golfers.
So, who do you think will ultimately take home the DP World India Championship title? Is Fleetwood's lead secure, or will McIlroy's late surge prove to be the turning point? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
