JOIN USDigvijay Singh continued his fine march with three closing birdies in a row to post a second successive five-under 67 that put him within two shots of the leader, Prayad Marksaeng, at the inaugural $750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Digvijay, who achieved his breakthrough win last year after 12 years on the Asian Tour, is 10-under through 36 holes, while Marksaeng (65-67) is at 12-under.
Digvijay, who has been struggling with his form since he won the Panasonic Open India last year, almost pulled out of the event after being struck by a severe back pain once again. But some advise from Jyoti Randhawa and a massage from the physiotherapist, got Digvijay going again. Now with two rounds of 67 each he is two off the lead at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
Four other Indians made the cut, while five missed it.
Himmat Rai, also ran into timely form with a fine 67 that pushed him up to six-under and tied 17th, while Gaganjeet Bhullar (70-70), Shiv Kapur (69-71) and Anirban Lahiri (71-69) are all at four-under in tied 41st place.
Randhawa (71-72), Sujjan Singh (72-71) and Rashid Khan (72-71) missed the cut by a shot, while SSP Chowrasia (71-73) missed it by two. C Muniyappa had retired in the first round.
Prayad is a six-time Asian Tour winner but has not won on the region’s premier tour since 2007. Prayad stuck to the cross-handed putting grip, which he changed midway through the first round.