Shubhankar tied-3rd, aims to join Lahiri

Newburgh (US), August 31

India's Shubhankar Sharma shot a superb 6-under 66, which was laced with eight birdies, to be placed tied-3rd at the end of the first day of Korn Ferry Tour Championship here.

It is his last chance to grab a PGA Tour card and he will likely need a sole sixth place to join Anirban Lahiri, who has already assured himself a card. Lahiri had to withdraw and rush home following the news of Hurricane Dorian's expected landfall at Palm Beach, Florida on Tuesday.

"We need to evacuate and I have decided to rush back home and do that," said Lahiri. 

Sharma, who was sharing room with Lahiri this week, said, "He decided only in the morning to get back home. Obviously because of hurricane hitting Palm Beach. He made the right decision and he has made his card. He was concerned about the family, too. And, now it is all up to me and I will do my best and join him on the PGA Tour."

Meanwhile, Chris Baker, after finishing one spot outside of the 25 in Portland and failing to earn a PGA TOUR card, opened with a opening-round 9-under 63 to take a one-stroke lead in Tour Championship.

Green seizes lead

Los Angeles: Hannah Green fired an eagle and seven birdies in a 9-under par-63, seizing the second-round lead as low scores abounded at the LPGA Portland Classic. 

Green's round, following on the heels of a first-round 64, was the lowest of her career and gave her a 17-under total of 127. — Agencies