IGPL Invitational 2026: Kashika Misra eyes historic mixed-field title after moving into lead

Teenage golfer Kashika Misra moved into the lead at the IGPL Invitational Delhi after a six-under 64 in the second round, putting herself within one round of becoming only the second Indian woman to win a professional golf tournament featuring a mixed field.

Kashika, who has represented India multiple times as an amateur, followed her opening-round 66 with another impressive effort to reach 10-under 130 after 36 holes at the Qutub Golf Course.

She is one shot clear of IGPL rookie Arjun Prasad, who carded 65 after an opening 66 to reach nine-under. Kapil Kumar produced the biggest move of the day, firing a seven-under 63 to climb 18 places and move into sole third at eight-under.

Pranavi Urs remains the only Indian woman to have won a professional mixed-field event. She achieved the feat at the IGPL Invitational Mumbai last year.

Kashika made two birdies on the front nine, added another on the 10th and closed with four birdies in her final five holes. She had just one bogey during her six-under round.

“I had a great round, and any time you shoot 6-under it feels nice. I had just one bogey, and I managed the course well overall. Tomorrow I will try to keep it the same,” Kashika said.

Kanav Chauhan was fourth at seven-under, while overnight leader Aryan Roopa Anand slipped to tied fifth at six-under alongside Blue Bulls captain Shiv Kapur and Harshjeet Sethie.

Kumar, representing Krishna Punjab, surged into contention after improving from a one-under opening round to a seven-under 63. Prasad also remained firmly in the hunt after another five-under effort.

In the team standings, Unico Gurugram Tuskers led at 14-under, followed by Punjab Raptors at 13-under. Auro Goa Eagles, Vizag Dolphins and Blue Bulls were tied third at 12-under.

Karandeep Kochhar was among the notable movers, climbing to tied eighth alongside Gaganjeet Bhullar, Veer Ganapathy and Ravi Kumar at five-under.

With just one round remaining, Kashika holds the lead but faces a closely packed chasing field, setting up a competitive finish to the tournament.