Shiv Kapur

Rayong (Thailand):A flawless five-under 68 saw India’s Shiv Kapur open up a big three shot lead at the midway stage of the International Open at St Andrews Hill Golf Club on Friday.

The 23-year old Indian is now 12-under 134 and currently holds the sole lead at an Asian Tour event for the first time in his career.

Kapur is ahead of the Thai duo of Thammannoon Srirot and Thongchai Jaidee. Srirot is three behind at 137 ? with a 68, including five birdies on the front nine ? while Jaidee (71) is one shot further down at eight-under 138.

Harmeet Kahlon came out with a four-under 69, including an eagle on the par-five 13th hole. He was tied eighth, while Ashok Kumar (72) was lying tied 24th.

Amandeep Johl and Mukesh Kumar shot steady rounds of two-under 71 each and were tied 29th at two-under. Johl birdied the 878-yard par-six fifth hole for the second day running.

Rahil Gangjee overcame a double bogey on par-five seventh to finish at par 73 and was tied 29th.

Gaurav Ghei, second last week in the Indian Open, survived a scare after having two bogeys on the front nine. He finished with a 71 and was tied 39th and ended at one-under for two days. The cut came at one-over.

Firoz Ali (71) finished at one-over for two days and came inside the cut at tied 59th. Arjun Singh, one-under for two days after 15 holes on second day and Digvijay Singh at 15 on the second day were still on the course.