Mari Muthu R moves into lead on Day 2 of golf tournament

Bengaluru’s Mari Muthu R (61-64), overnight joint leader, carded an even-par 64 to move into sole lead at a total of 3-under 125 on Day 2 of the PGTI event being played at the Forest Hill Golf & Country Club in Mohali.

Chandigarh-based 24-year-old Umed Kumar (61-66), the other overnight joint leader, who is making his pro debut this week, returned a 2-over 66 in round two to drop one spot and end the day at second place with a total of 1-under 127. Bangladesh’s Md Razu (65-65) was third with a total of 2-over 130.

The Forest Hill Golf & Country Club is a par-64 nine-hole course, where the nine holes are played twice to comprise a round. The cut went at 10-over 138. Forty-one professionals made the cut to progress to the third and final round.

Mari Muthu R, the overnight joint leader, who is searching for his maiden professional title, made a slow start on Thursday with two birdies, three bogeys and a double-bogey over the first 12 holes, where he struggled with his putting. After being three-over for the day through 12 holes, the 40-year-old Mari Muthu made a splendid recovery with three birdies over the last six holes, landing his wedge shots within four feet on all three occasions.

“It was very windy therefore it was tough to control the shots and that reflects in the scores. My wedge play and chipping were excellent for the second straight day. But it was an ordinary day with the putter for me. I missed a lot of short putts. I managed to regain my momentum from the 13th hole onwards, where I hit a terrific chip shot to set up a tap-in birdie. Thereafter, I played very well till the end. I now feel confident going into the final round,” said Muthu. Kumar made two bogeys during his second round of 66.