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New Delhi - Local hero and defending champion SSP Chawrasia posted a five-under par 67 on the second day of the Hero Indian Open in New Delhi Friday, taking a one-shot lead on a rain-affected day.
The five-time Asian Tour winner hit five birdies to put himself one shot ahead of England's David Horsey who had topped the overnight leaderboard before completing his first round 66 on Friday morning then recording a disappointing 74 in his second round.
Although many of the main contenders for the tournament had their progress interrupted by the rain in the Indian capital, Chawrasia was able to wrap up his round without a hitch.
The 38-year-old was in fine form on the greens, holing lengthy putts on the fifth and eighth holes of a course that he knows well.
Spain's Carlos Pigem was in third place, following up his opening round of 69 by carding 73 on day two - undone in part by hitting two double bogeys which left him three off the pace.
Play was suspended following mid-afternoon lightning strikes and organisers eventually called an end to proceedings nearly three hours later, with half the field still to complete their second round.
Among those who have an early start are the Italian Matteo Manassero and Englishman Eddie Pepperell who are two shots behind Chawrasia.
The event, sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour for the third straight year, carries an enhanced prize purse of $1.75 million.
Leading second round club-house scores from the rain-affected Hero Indian Open in New Delhi on Friday:
139 - SSP Chawrasia (IND) 72-67
140 - David Horsey (ENG) 66-74
142 - Carlos Pigem (ESP) 69-73, Michael Hoey (NIR) 71-71,
143 - Stephen Gallacher (SCO) 70-73
144 - Romain Langasque (FRA) 69-75, Daniel Brooks (ENG) 73-71, Gregory Havret (FRA) 70-74, Scott Jamieson (SCO) 70-74, Dylan Frittelli (RSA) 72-72
145 - Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 73-72, Jyoti Randhhawa (IND) 75-70
146 - Marcel Siem (GER) 70-76, Daniel Im (USA) 74-72
