Ferguson leads Dubai contingent as Nakajima, Chacarra share lead at Hero Indian Open
Japan's Keita Nakajima surged into prime position to defend his Hero Indian Open title, sharing the top spot with Spain's Eugenio Chacarra at the halfway mark of the DP World Tour event at DLF Golf & Country Club in Delhi.
Nakajima's second-round fireworks—an electric six-under-par 66—catapulted him from an opening 74 to a share of the lead at four-under-par 140. The 24-year-old, who previously announced himself on the Dubai stage by winning the 2021 Asia Pacific Amateur Championship at Dubai Creek, showed his class once again with a dominant front-nine performance, carding five straight birdies from the third hole and turning in 29.
While the leaders set the pace, Dubai's golfing presence was felt through Ewen Ferguson, the Jumeirah Golf Estates member who is flying the flag for UAE-based players. The Scotsman sits tied for eighth after rounds of 72 and 71, positioning himself within striking distance heading into the weekend.
Another familiar name in Dubai circles, Gaganjeet Bhullar, a Dubai Golden Visa recipient, is tied for 20th on 145 after carding rounds of 72 and 73.
Nakajima, who claimed his maiden DP World Tour title earlier this year, acknowledged the challenge posed by the course but embraced it with a fresh mindset.
'This is a tough but fun course,' he said. 'My mindset changed today—I tried to stay patient, keep smiling, and enjoy the round. I'll do the same over the weekend.'
Chacarra, meanwhile, carded a two-under-par 70, battling tricky afternoon conditions to keep pace at the top. The Spaniard, making just his ninth DP World Tour start, remained optimistic despite some missed opportunities.
'It's a real test, and one bad swing can be costly,' he admitted. 'But I'm happy with where I stand and looking forward to the weekend.'
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Joost Luiten of the Netherlands are part of a group trailing by two shots, ensuring a tightly contested weekend at one of India's most demanding courses.
Dubai's Ferguson will look to make a move over the next two rounds, as the tournament builds towards an exciting finish.
Round Two Leaders (Par 72)
K. Nakajima (JPN) – 74, 66 (140)
E. Chacarra (ESP) – 70, 70 (140)
K. Aphibarnrat (THA) – 71, 71 (142)
J. Luiten (NED) – 69, 73 (142)
A. Pavan (ITA) – 73, 69 (142)
M. Jordan (ENG) – 69, 73 (142)
J. Dantorp (SWE) – 71, 71 (142)
E. Ferguson (SCO) – 72, 71 (143)
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