Truist Championship: Bhatia Clings To Top-15 As Second Round Concludes In Charlotte

Akshay Bhatia stayed in the top-10 mix after a steady second round at the Truist Championship. Bhatia signed for a 1-under 71 and sat tied-12th going into the weekend. Sungjae Im led the field at 9-under overall, with several big names close behind on a tight leaderboard.

Im backed up an opening 64 with a 69 to move clear at the top. The South Korean had battled a wrist injury this season. Before this week, Im had recorded only one top-40 finish. The second round suggested a return towards stronger form at the course in Charlotte.

Bhatia looked set for a lower score after reaching 3-under through 12 holes. Back-to-back bogeys on the 13th and 14th slowed that run. The drop left Bhatia at 1-under for the day. Still, the position kept Bhatia within reach of the leaders.

Rory McIlroy climbed to tied-eighth with a 5-under 67 after a late rally. McIlroy hit 14 straight greens in regulation during the round. Five birdies came on the back nine, before a bogey at the 18th. It was McIlroy’s first start since a second Masters win last month.

Rickie Fowler posted the lowest round of the day with an 8-under 63. Fowler made nine birdies to jump into tied-eighth alongside McIlroy. Tommy Fleetwood stayed one shot behind Im after a second straight 67. Justin Thomas and Alex Fitzpatrick shared third with matching 68s, as Fitzpatrick built on a Hero Indian Open title.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju rose to tied-24th after adding a 69 to an opening 71. The scorecard had four birdies and two bogeys, with the last bogey at the closing hole. Sahith Theegala stayed tied-43rd with rounds of 72 and 71. Theegala mixed two birdies and an eagle with four bogeys in a varied second round.