TAIPEI: India's Rashid Khan took the halfway lead in the Mercuries Taiwan Masters on Friday with a two-under-par 70, staying one shot ahead of overnight leader Danny Chia of Malaysia.
Khan, a two-time Asian Tour winner, carded a six-under-par 138 total after the second round at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club's Tamsui course in Taipei.
The 24-year-old had a rough start on the blustery day with a double-bogey on the first hole, but was able to rally with six birdies to claim the lead.
"I kept the ball in play on the back nine and I am happy with where I stand, given the tough conditions out there," said Khan.
"Overall, I feel confident with my game but my short game just wasn't as good today," he added.
Chia, the highest ranked Malaysian on the Official World Golf Rankings, fell to second place after a mixed performance with a pair of birdies and two bogeys.
"It was really windy out there," said the 43-year-old.
Filipino Antonio Lascuna, 44, who tied for second last year, edged ahead to cap off the day in third along with four others including local favorite Pan Cheng-tsung.
"If I can play like how I did last year, I should have a chance to win this week," said Lascuna, who came close to winning his maiden Asian Tour title on three occasions last season.
Scores after round 2 of the Mercuries Taiwan Masters 2015 (par 72)
138 - Rashid Khan (IND) 68-70
139 - Danny Chia (MAS) 67-72
143 - Antonio Lascuna (PHI) 72-71, Liang Wen-chong (CHN) 70-73, Siddikur Rahman (BAN) 69-74, Pan Cheng-tsung (TPE) 71-72, Mithun Perera (SRI) 71-72
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