Chennai, Aug 20 - Mukesh Kumar fired his second consecutive 65 Thursday to lead the PGTI - 125th Year Madras Gymkhana Club Tamil Nadu Open by two strokes. Mukesh, currently second on the Aircel PGTI Order of Merit, now has a two-day total of 10-under 130.

Shamim Khan was two strokes behind the leader in second place. The cut was declared at four over 144. In all, 53 professionals and two amateurs made the cut.

Mukesh Kumar (65, 65) was quick off the blocks in round two as he sank an eagle on the 600-yard par five third. On the third hole, he found the edge of the green with his second shot (3-wood) and then knocked down a 15 feet uphill putt for eagle. He then converted putts from 10 feet and 15 feet to earn birdies on the seventh and 10th respectively.

A top-class six iron approach shot on the 12th set up a 15 feet eagle putt for Mukesh. But the reigning Aircel PGTI Order of Merit champion could only pick up a birdie on the 12th as he missed the 15-footer for eagle.

Mukesh, who holds the course record of seven under-63 at Madras Gymkhana Club, which was achieved during round two of the Tamil Nadu Open last year, commented: 'I had aimed to shoot a 63 or 64 in today's round in order to be in a very strong position ahead of round three, but I'm more than happy to take the bogey-free 65.

'I'm still very well placed and glad to be in good putting form. Even though I shot the same score as yesterday, I think my first round was better since I was more consistent on the opening day.'

'I'm very happy for my student Om Prakash Chouhan whose six-under 64 was the best round of the day.