Chopra on the charge as rain delays finish

A FINE second round of 65 saw Daniel Chopra take the clubhouse lead on 13 under par as the second day of the Iskandar Johor was again disrupted by the Malaysian weather.

After Friday’s play was shortened due to thunderstorms, Chopra returned to Horizon Hills and Country Club yesterday to complete the final four holes of his first round, carding a seven-under 64 that featured an eagle, seven birdies — including six on the front nine — and a double bogey five on the 12th to trail overnight leader Joost Luiten by one stroke.

The 37-year-old Swede showed no signs of fatigue, though, following it up with another impressive effort as seven birdies and one bogey saw him establish a four-shot cushion over the rest of the field.

However, a two-hour suspension in the afternoon means a clutch of players are still to finish the second round after play was eventually due to darkness.

Luiten leads the chasing pack at nine under par through six holes as the Dutchman added a birdie at the sixth to five consecutive pars.

Chopra’s compatriots Michael Jonzon and Christian Nilsson lie at eight-under along with Bangladesh’s Mohammed Sidikur. Jonzon also carded a 65 while both Nilsson and Sidikur signed for 67s.

Rhys Davies is among a large group at seven under par after the Welshman returned a 65 containing eight birdies and two bogeys. Padraig Harrington was also six shots off the lead after two birdies and two bogeys saw the Irishman play the front nine level par.

Jamie McLeary moved to six under as the Scot followed up an opening 66 with a more sedate 70.