Mukesh Kumar keeps lead in Chennai Open golf

The 51-year-old Mukesh Kumar (61-68), who had blasted a nine-under-61 on day one, had a comparatively quieter second round as he came up with a two-under-68. Mukesh, however, kept his overnight fourstroke advantage intact. His total at the halfway stage read 11-under-129. 

Gurgaon’s Deepinder Singh Kullar (65-68) and Delhi’s Honey Baisoya (67-66) shared second place at seven-under-133. Mukesh had a slow start to the day when he three-putted for a bogey on the 11th. He then missed a 15-footer for eagle on the next but still managed a birdie there. Another birdie and bogey on the 14th and 16th meant that he made the turn at level-par. 

The highlight of his round was the chip-in for birdie from the bunker on the fifth. He then produced another fabulous chip to set up his final birdie of the day on the seventh. Mukesh said, “My putting let me down today. I didn’t have the same rhythm on the greens as I did during round one. I wasn’t stroking it well. I was thrilled with my chip-in birdie on the fifth where I recovered really well after first landing it in the rough and then in the bunker.