By IANS
Jeju, (Korea) : Neither the windy conditions nor the fading light could affect Jeev Milkha Singh’s focus as he carded a flawless six-under 66 for a 10-under 134 and finish second, two shots behind Graeme McDowell (64) at the midway stage of the Ballantine’s golf Championship Friday.
Jeev, who lost on the 72nd hole at the Indonesia Open, was even par after six and then exploded into a birdie spree, six in all. There were two on seventh and ninth and then four on the back nine.
Jeev, who is looking to continue India’s great run this season, said, “I am glad I managed to get my round over in time, as the light was fading. I didn’t want to leave a few holes for the morning.”
The players were also aided by the wind, which was often behind them adding a good deal of distance off the tee.
The 2006 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Singh continued his amazing comeback from a freak accident last week and a flu bug to move up one position to second after finishing his round in near darkness.
“I’m used to playing in such darkness when I’m at home but not in the cold. We were running after the 17th as we wanted to tee off on the 18th to make sure we finished our rounds,” said Singh.
“I think I had more joy of finishing the way I did with six-under today. I couldn’t have asked for better. Now I can enjoy my meal!” he said.
Randhawa, tied third after first round, had a roller-coaster of a round with two birdies, an eagle and four bogeys in his 72 that saw him slip to tied 19th. He was four-under for two rounds.
Gaurav Ghei (72) was even for two rounds and tied 56th, still better than his 63rd overnight. Shiv Kapur was the only Indian below the cut line, which was expected at even par. Kapur one-under after 16 was one-over for the tournament, due1 to his 74 on first day.
McDowell, the Northern Irishman had an eagle and six birdies as he overcame windy conditions in the $2.9 million event at Pinx Golf Club.
McDowell’s superb effort left him on 12-under 132 — two shots ahead of Swede Johan Edfors (65) and Jeev.
Ireland’s Paul McGinley and Korean Tour regular Kim Hyung Tae were a shot further back on nine-under.
McGinley produced five birdies and no bogeys in his 67 as he struck form at the the first European Tour event to be played in Korea.
A total of 47 players were still to complete the second round after Jeju’s famously strong winds had caused a delay in the start of Friday’s play.