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JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia : India's Himmat Rai stole the limelight by taking the second-round clubhouse lead at the Iskandar Johor Open on Friday with tournament marquee name K.J. Choi hot on his heels.
The young Indian, who only had 30 minutes to rest after completing his first round, where he also took the first-round lead, was in superb form as he posted a five-under-par 67 for a two-day total of 131 at the Asian Tour tournament.
Tour honorary member Choi and one-time winner Darren Beck of Australia are a further stroke back after the duo posted matching 64s for a 132 total at the Royal Johor Country Club.
Taiwan's Chang Tse-peng continued his impressive form as he stayed in touch with the clubhouse leader on 133. Thailand's Chapchai Nirat also gave himself a fighting chance with a 65 for a 134 total.
Inclement weather continued to affect play throughout the two rounds, leaving officials no choice but to reduce the tournament to a 54-hole stroke play tournament.
Round two will resume on Saturday morning at 10.10am Malaysian time as 24 players have yet to complete their second round.
"We are forced to reduce the tournament due to bad weather conditions and we hope that we will have better conditions in the next two days," said Wanchai Meechai, the Asian Tour Tournament Director of the Iskandar Johor Open.
Rai, looking for his maiden win on the Asian Tour, fired a remarkable eagle on his second hole when his chip found the hole from 10 yards. He posted four more birdies against one bogey before taking a one-stroke lead.
"It is really satisfying because I have been practising hard. My gameplan with my caddie worked out well for us and I am glad to be on top the leaderboard," said the 22-year-old.
- AFP /ls
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