Mukesh Kumar cracks
course record

Mukesh Kumar put yet another golf course to the sword with an eight-under 64, which handed him the new course record at the par-72 Digboi Club Golf links.

The effort opened up a seven-stroke lead for the Mhow golfer at the Rs 850,000 Servo Masters Golf 2002.

Mukesh, who bettered arch rival Feroz Ali's effort of seven-under, achieved last year at the same tournament, tallied a mid-way aggregate of 12-under 132.

The Delhi duo of Ashok Kumar and Shamim Khan, who returned a cards of 68 and 70 respectively, were tied a distant second at five-under 139 apiece.

Digvijay Singh was fourth at two-under 140 while six others shared the joint fifth position.

A total of 51 pros made it to the money-making rounds after the cut was applied at eight-over 152.

Mukesh has four victories under his belt in just nine starts this season. Today, the 10th tee starter, he laid the perfect foundation to annexe his fifth title as he sunk eight birdies and an eagle to return the best card of the day.

Narrowly missing a birdie on his opening hole, the thrice champion golfer of the year more than made up with birdies on the 11th and 13th. His tee shot on the par-4 14th landed about 20 feet from the pin from where the star golfer found the cup with amazing accuracy.

Slight lapses in concentration saw Mukesh bogey the 17th and second. However he was back into form with a birdies on the third and fourth and four straight birdies on his closing holes.

"I am pleased to have achieved another landmark. I will think of bettering it every time I go out to play," said Mukesh.

"My hitting and putting were great today," added the golfer, who returned 26 putts today.

Ashok Kumar, who is in his rookie year, has left a mark with every outing on the current Hero Honda Indian Golf Tour season. Today was no different as the 22-year-old lad from Delhi made a solitary bogey (5th) and had five birdies (1st, 3rd, 4th, 9th and 14th).

"It is a difficult task but I will definitely try my best to catch up with the leader," said Ashok.

Top scores (after 36 holes):

Pros: 132_Mukesh Kumar (68, 64); 139_Ashok Kumar (71, 68), Shamim Khan (69, 70); 140_Digvijay Singh (69, 71); 141_GS Sethi (73, 68), DS Raghuvanshi (72, 69), Feroz Ali (72, 69), Rafiq Ali (72, 69), Ranjit Singh (72, 69) Shankar Das (70, 71); 142_Rohtas Singh (76, 66), Mohd. Salim (72, 70), Sheeraz Kalra (72, 70), Yusuf Ali (71, 71), Mohd. Islam (69, 73).

Amateurs: 154_Ajay Barua (78, 76); 166_Utpal Deka (85, 81).

Yesterday's report
Mukesh forges ahead in Servo Masters

Mail Cricket Editor