Chopra takes lead at Malaysia golf Open

Sweden's Daniel Chopra posted a six-under-par 66 to take the second round lead at Malaysia's weather-shortened US$2 million Iskandar Johor Open on Saturday, as organisers cut the competition from 72 to 54 holes. Three-time Asian Tour winner Chapchai Nirat of Thailand signed for a 67 to pile the pressure on Chopra, while Filipino Antonio Lascuna is tied third with India's S.S.P. Chowrasia, Australia's Unho Park and opening round leader David Lipsky at the Asian Tour's season-ending event. "The multiple disruptions that were caused by the weather throughout the week made it a challenge for the tournament to be completed over 72 holes. As such, we have taken the decision to reduce the tournament to 54 holes," said Asian Tour tournament director Wanchai Meechai. The third and final round will take place on Sunday. Chopra, who won his first professional title at the 1993 Johor Open and was last year pipped to the post by Joost Luiten of the Netherlands, was delighted to take pole position with a two-day total of 10-under-par 134. Chopra did not start his second round on Friday but the two-time PGA Tour winner quickly made up for lost time by marking his flawless card with six birdies when he returned in the morning. He completed his round early in the afternoon, just as play was suspended for three hours. "I'm very lucky to be able to putt out on the last. I'll get another afternoon off and watch it rain," he was quoted as saying in an Asian Tour press release. Chapchai will be hoping his newborn baby boy will provide him with the impetus to translate two top-10s into a win this season. "I want a good result for my newborn son, who we welcomed in our family last week. It doesn't matter if I win or not but I want to play well for him," he said. Australia's Marcus Fraser remained on course to become the first Australian to win the Asian Tour Order of Merit after he returned with a 68 to lead Thailand's Thaworn Wiratchant by two shots. Fraser needs to finish ahead of Thaworn. Leading scores after round two of the Iskandar Johor Open (a- denotes amateur) 134 - Daniel CHOPRA (SWE) 68-66. 135 - Chapchai NIRAT (THA) 68-67. 136 - Antonio LASCUNA (PHI) 68-68, Unho PARK (AUS) 65-71, S.S.P. CHOWRASIA (IND) 67-69, David LIPSKY (USA) 63-73. 137 - Scott BARR (AUS) 72-65, Thongchai JAIDEE (THA) 66-71, Sergio GARCIA (ESP) 68-69, Felipe AGUILAR (CHI) 67-70, Angelo QUE (PHI) 67-70, Shiv KAPUR (IND) 67-70. Selected scores 138 - Marcus FRASER (AUS) 70-68. 140 - Thaworn WIRATCHANT (THA) 71-69