By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Photo Credit: DP World Tour.
Eugenio Chacarra moved into the halfway lead at the 2026 DP World India Championship on Saturday, strengthening his bid to top the Race to Dubai Rankings delivered by DP World.
The Spaniard reached 10 under par after carding a second consecutive round of 67 at the tournament in New Delhi. His round included seven birdies and two bogeys, with dropped shots at the ninth and 16th holes for the second day running.
Despite those mistakes, Chacarra was pleased with his overall performance, particularly his putting, and took a one shot lead over Scotland’s Scott Jamieson into the weekend.
“My game is good. I’m hitting the ball good. I’m putting good. Attitude is good. So, overall, a good round,” Chacarra said.
The tournament schedule was disrupted by storms on Thursday, forcing the second round to finish on Saturday morning before players prepared for the third round.
Chacarra began the week second in the Race to Dubai standings, just under 166 points behind leader Patrick Reed. Rory McIlroy sat third, a further 142 points behind Reed, as he continued his pursuit of a record equalling eighth Harry Vardon Trophy.
Chacarra knows he will need strong results to challenge both players. “They’re two of the best players in the world, so for me to compete with them I need to bring my A game, and I’m trying to do that” he said.
“My team and myself are putting in all we can to contend in Dubai. Obviously, I need to get points and have some good weeks because those guys, they never rest. It’s always going to be a good week for them; they’re going to win. So I need to get my momentum going and hopefully I can keep doing that.”
Although he was pleased to lead at the halfway stage, Chacarra remained focused on the work ahead.
“I love winning. I love being in contention on Sunday. Obviously, it’s nice when you’re at the top on Friday, but there is a lot of golf left still. I like where I’m at. I need to control what I can control, and that’s my target for the next couple of rounds.”
Five players shared third place on eight under par: Angel Hidalgo, Adrian Meronk, Joost Luiten, Thomas Detry and Joel Girrbach.
McIlroy remained in contention at six under after a bogey free 68, while Reed made the cut on the mark after holing a six foot par putt at the ninth, his final hole, to finish at level par.
Home favourite Yuvraj Sandhu also made the weekend, finishing at one under par after producing seven birdies in his final 10 holes.
I’ve only just finished the round, and I’m still trying to understand how I pulled it off, “Sandhu said. “I think seven under over 10 holes is a personal best.”