Singapore: Malaysian Gavin Green continued to show he was on the comeback trail again after spectacularly posting his second-successive seven-under-par 65 to take the halfway lead at the inaugural US$1.5 million International Series Singapore yesterday.
He had a two-day total of 130 and led by three shots over Thailand's Phachara Khongwatmai, who hit a 66 for 133.
India's Veer Ahlawat and South Korean Seo Yo-Seop were a stroke further behind after they both returned 65s.
Seo's round was highlighted by six birdies on the trot from the seventh hole.
Overnight leader Scott Vincent from Zimbabwe slipped back after carding a 73. He was tied for eighth on 137 along with Thailand's Sadom Kaewkanjana (70), Jazz Janewattananond (67) and Chapchai Nirat (66).
Green, the 2017 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, has struggled with his game over the past few seasons but appeared to be back on track after two brilliant days on the Tampines Course at Tanah Merah Country Club.
"It's a great feeling being back in contention again," Green said after a bogey-free round.
Phachara also played the layout bogey free to put himself in good position to try and win his second Asian Tour title.
"I am very happy with six under today. I had good iron shots but missed a couple of putts," he said.
"It's important for me because I have the chance to play more LIV events, if I play well this week, and next week [in South Korea]."
England's Steve Lewton was on 135, along with Thailand's Nitithorn Thippong, after holing his approach shot for an eagle on the par-five 18th to return a 68.
Pre-tournament favourite Patrick Reed bounced back from his opening 73 with a 68 and was on 141.
"I just put the ball in position on a lot of holes, especially early on but I didn't make any putts -- just burned the edges and when you are doing that around here it is hard to shoot low," said the American, the 2018 Masters champion.