Umed Kumar Takes Commanding Lead at PGTI NEXGEN Dilip Tirkey Invitational
Umed Kumar Dominates Day Two
Bhubaneswar (Odisha) [India], November 5: Umed Kumar shot a two-under 70 in the second round, establishing a three-shot advantage at the PGTI NEXGEN Dilip Tirkey Invitational 2025, hosted at the Bhubaneswar Golf Club.
The 24-year-old from Chandimandir, Haryana, who was tied for the lead overnight, now holds a total score of seven-under 137 after his second round (67-70), enhancing his chances of securing his second NEXGEN title this season.
Divesh Rana, who was also a co-leader after the first round, fell to second place with a total of four-under 140 after posting a round of 73. Meanwhile, Sanjeev Kumar climbed four spots to third with a score of three-under 141, thanks to a flawless second round of 69. This event, with a prize pool of Rs 20 lakh, is backed by Indian hockey icon and Hockey India President Dilip Tirkey.
Local professionals Ankit Padhi and Ajay Kumar Sahu successfully made the cut, both finishing tied for 26th at five-over 149, as the cut line was set at eight-over 152. A total of thirty-nine professionals advanced past the cut.
Currently ranked second in the NEXGEN Order of Merit, Umed Kumar is now a strong contender for the top position, which would grant him exemption on the PGTI's main tour next year.
Despite facing challenges with fairways and greens on day two, Umed's putting skills proved crucial, allowing him to convert several birdies and pars from distances of five to ten feet.
Umed remarked, “My consistent putting has kept me leading for two consecutive days. I managed to recover well from difficult spots, securing birdies. A few crucial par-saves from tricky positions were also significant. Now, I need to capitalize on this lead in the final round, focusing on keeping the ball in play on these narrow fairways, which I struggled with today.”
Divesh Rana recorded six birdies but also had seven bogeys during his second round of 73. Sanjeev Kumar, the current leader in the NEXGEN Order of Merit, could challenge Umed for the top ranking if he improves from his current third position in the tournament on the final day.
Sanjeev's earnings this season total Rs 7,08,740, while Umed has earned Rs 6,06,840. The prize money for the top three finishers at Bhubaneswar is Rs 2,54,300, Rs 2,14,300, and Rs 1,36,300, highlighting the tight race between Sanjeev and Umed in the Order of Merit.