India, May 10 -- Indian-American golfer Akshay Bhatia edged closer to a top-10 placement, while Rory McIlroy began his chase of the leaders with a fine second nine at the Truist Championship.

Bhatia added 1-under 71 following two late bogeys and was tied 12th. McIlroy (70-67) moved into tied fifth, as Korean Sungjae Im (64-69) climbed to the very top at 9-under and a one-shot lead over Tommy Fleetwood (67-67) and Hero Indian Open winner, Alex Fitzpatrick (67-68), was tied third alongside Justin Thomas (67-68), and showed he is relishing his PGA Tour membership.

Bhatia was progressing well at 3-under through 12 holes when he was hit by back-to-back bogeys on the 13th and the 14th and dropped to 1-under.

Sudarshan Yellamaraju, the Indo-C...