Four-Way Tie at the Summit in New Delhi
The second round of the DP World India Championship in New Delhi was suspended on Friday due to fading light, leaving a crowded leaderboard and several major contenders stranded mid-round. According to reporting from the BBC, play was called off before the remaining afternoon groups could complete their 18 holes, creating a significant backlog as tournament officials work to get the schedule back on track following earlier weather disruptions.
At the time play was halted, a four-way tie had formed at the top of the leaderboard at eight-under-par. Joost Luiten of the Netherlands, Spain’s Angel Hidalgo, and Poland’s Adrian Meronk all managed to complete their second rounds before darkness descended. They are joined at eight-under by Belgium’s Thomas Detry, though Detry’s progress was cut short after he had played just seven holes of his second round.
Chasing Pack and Star Contenders Impacted
England’s Eddie Pepperell and Todd Clements sit just one shot off the pace at seven-under-par after successfully completing their full 18 holes in the capital. Meanwhile, several high-profile names found their momentum checked by the sudden hooter ending the day’s play.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin began the second round just one stroke behind the leaders but slipped three shots back to five-under-par after completing seven holes. Six-time major winner Rory McIlroy, also representing Northern Ireland, was among the most notable players affected. McIlroy opened his second round in stellar fashion with a superb eagle followed by three pars, leaving him tied for 17th place at four-under-par through four holes.
McIlroy shares that four-under position with England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Scotland’s Robert MacIntyre, both of whom were also halted after completing four holes of their second round. Further down the provisional standings, England’s Justin Rose sits at even par through five holes, while European Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald stands at one-over after six holes. Ireland’s Shane Lowry faces an uphill battle to make the cut, currently sitting at three-over-par with six holes of his second round remaining.
Tournament Schedule and Weather Context
The suspension due to darkness compounds scheduling pressures at the tournament following earlier disruptions. According to the BBC, Thursday’s opening round was hit by a five-hour delay caused by heavy rain and severe thunderstorms in the region.
Tournament organizers have confirmed that the suspended second round will resume early on Saturday morning at 02:45 BST. Players caught mid-round will return to the course to complete their remaining holes before the third round can officially get underway.