Sharma upstages big names to take lead in Mexico

India’s Shubhankar Sharma surprised a few people, but not himself, as heupstaged the biggest names in golf for a two-shot halfway lead at theWGC-Mexico Championship on Friday.In his first appearance in a World Golf Championships event, Sharmaadded a five-under-par 66 to his opening round 65 to set the pace at11-under 131 at Club de Golf Chapultepec in Mexico City.“I didn’t really put any pressure on myself before I came here. I expected to play well,” the 21-year-old told Golf Channel.“I’m really happy that I’m playing at such a high level and playing withall these great players. I’ve tried to enjoy myself as much as possibleout there and this is the best position I could have been in.“I’ve definitely proved to myself that I belong here and I can play with the big boys.”Several of those big boys were lurking close, with Spanish duo of SergioGarcia (65) and Rafa Cabrera Bello (67) in a share of second withAmerican Xander Schauffele (68) on nine-under.First round leader Louis Oosthuizen (71) backtracked to fall four shotsoff the pace in a large group sharing fifth, which also includeddefending champion Dustin Johnson (66).Sharma entered the week already ranked first on the European Tour aftertwo early-season victories but it would be fair to suggest he was not aname on everyone’s lips pre-tournament. An eagle on Friday at the shortpar-four first hole, where he drove the ball to inside two feet for atap-in, changed that and bogeys at the next two holes proved minorsetbacks.The five birdies he picked up on the back nine, including at the finalthree holes, helped him stamp his authority on the event. “I just keptthe ball in play throughout the day,” Sharma said. “The only two bogeys Imade were three putts. I kept the ball in the fairway and gave myselfas many chances to attack the pin as possible.”Sharma has plenty to play for over the weekend, not least a shot at securing a spot at next month’s Masters.Currently ranked 75th in the world, he needs to climb into the top 50 inthe next four weeks, or better yet win a tournament, to qualify forAugusta National.But Sharma is likely to feel some heat in the final two rounds, withreigning Masters champion Garcia among those poised to pounce.“We still have a long weekend to go,” Garcia said. “The course isgetting firmer and tougher as the week goes on. Hopefully I can playmore of the same.”