Chennai

Mithun and Vikrant fired scores of seven-under-63 and five-under-65 respectively to move into the joint lead with another Sri Lankan N Thangaraja (70) at nine-under-131. Defending champion Mukesh Kumar of Mhow posted a four-under-66 to lie one shot off the lead in fourth place at eight-under-132. 

Mithun Perera (68-63), who was tied 12th, seven shots behind the leader, after round one, worked his way up to the top with the day’s best score, a flawless round that featured seven birdies. 

Perera, a five-time winner on the PGTI, got off to a hot start with birdies on the first two holes where he made conversions from five feet. Mithun, who made the turn at three-under, went on a birdie-spree thereafter picking up four shots between the 10th and the 14th. 

The Colombo-based professional produced his best shot of the day on the 10th when his approach from 140 yards landed inches from the pin. Vikrant Chopra (66-65), who was overnight tied third and five off the lead, also threw his hat in the ring with a top-class 65 on Friday. 

Chopra three-putted for bogey on the sixth but then rallied with birdies on the next three holes and a 25-feet eagle conversion on the 12th. 

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