Peter Whiteford of Scotland shot a second-round four-under par 68 in chilly, overcast conditions to take a two-stroke lead in the $2.4 million Indian Masters on Friday.
Whiteford, who shared the first-round lead with Spaniard Alejandro Canizares, fired six birdies, three bogeys and an eagle three to move to 10-under par 134 at the half-way stage.
Thailand’s Prom Meesawat was second after a flawless second round of eight-under-par 64 in which he birdied five of the last six holes.
Australian Kieran Pratt, Jean-Baptiste Gonnet of France and Thais Chapchai Nirat and Kiradech Aphibarnrat were three strokes behind the leader on 137 to set up a keen tussle over the remaining two days.
India’s richest golf event, tri-sanctioned by the European and Asian Tours and the Professional Golf Tour of India, is being played at the par-72 DLF Golf and Country Club on the outskirts of New Delhi.
Two-time Major winner John Daly withdrew from the tournament due to an elbow injury sustained in the first round when he struggled to seven-over par 79 with six bogeys.
Former British Open champion Todd Hamilton failed to make the cut after ending the second day at nine-over par 153.
Whiteford, 31 and looking for his maiden European Tour title, conceded he was fortunate to stay at the top of the leaderboard.
“I had a sticky patch at the start,” he said. “It was freezing cold this morning and a lot harder.
“But once it warmed up a bit, I started to play better and gave myself a few chances. I had a good eagle on the sixth which kick-started me to finish well.
“I just need to concentrate. To be 10-under is very good, but I would not say I’m overly confident. I just need a good round tomorrow to be in contention come Sunday.”
Sixty-seven players made the cut which was set at even par.