DAY 1

September 1st 2010, Chandigarh: Mukesh Kumar, the man with the insatiable appetite for silverware, carded a bogey-free 67 that catapulted him from overnight tied sixth to first position in round two of the PGTI Players Championship presented by Chandigarh Golf Club. The Mhow-based professional’s total score now stands at seven under 137. Vinod Kumar of Delhi, whose 66 was the best score of round two, is in joint second along with Chandigarh’s Harendra Gupta at six under 138.

The cut was declared at six over 150. Fifty-four professionals and two amateurs made the cut.

Mukesh Kumar (70-67), made his way to the top of the leaderboard with the help of some magnificent hitting. Mukesh had eagle opportunities on two par fives, the 13th and second, where he two-putted from 20 and 15 feet respectively for birdies. He landed his approach shots within three feet on the 15th, fifth and sixth for his remaining birdies.

Mukesh said, “The major difference between my first two rounds was that I did not make any bogey in round two. My hitting was also much better today. I was quite accurate off the tee and hit it very close. I still need to improve on my putting though which hasn’t clicked this week.

“I have had a decent year so far, having registered two wins. However, I’m now playing with the aim of ending the season as the number one on the Rolex Rankings (Order of Merit).”

Vinod Kumar (72-66), a 10th tee starter, made an ordinary start as he missed five birdie putts on the first nine and finally sank his first birdie on the 18th. But his second nine was entirely different story. Vinod fired it within six feet for birdie on five occasions and converted all those putts.

“I had a quiet first nine today but then consolidated with some good ball-striking and putting on the second nine. I produced a fantastic third shot from 80 yards out on the second hole that landed a few inches from the hole. This shot gave me the momentum on the second nine,” said Vinod.

He went on to add, “I felt a little out of sorts during round one but now seem to be back in my groove. I’m really looking forward to playing along side Mukesh Kumar in the third round. One gets to learn a lot from playing in the same three-ball as Mukesh since he is such an experienced campaigner.”

Harendra Gupta (69-69) of Chandigarh kept his title hopes alive after he shot a second consecutive 69 to share second place along with Vinod Kumar at six under.

Gaurav Pratap Singh is in fourth place at five under 139 while Ashok Kumar is a further stroke behind in fifth position.

Rahil Gangjee’s (72-72) two-day total of even par 144 helped him end the day in tied ninth place.

Chandigarh golfers Ranjit Singh (eight over 152) and Sujjan Singh (13 over 157) missed the cut.