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.

Jin Cheng maintains 2-stroke lead

In Hong Kong, first-round leader Jin Cheng of China maintained a two-stroke lead at the Asia-Pacific Amateur on Friday after a 2-under 68 in the second round at Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club.

The 17-year-old Jin had a 36-hole total of 10-under 130. Takashi Ogiso of Japan shot 65 to sit in second place going into the weekend on the picturesque peninsula course that overlooks the South China Sea.

Australians Cameron Davis and Ryan Ruffels, each with 64s, were in a group tied for third, three behind Jin. Ruffels is the lowest-ranked amateur in the tournament at No. 8.

Hong Kong-born Matthew Cheung also had a 64 to move into contention, five strokes behind Jin and tied for 11th.

Cheung, who was raised in Brisbane, Australia, and attends Oklahoma City University, enjoyed the gallery support during a round that included five birdies, a bogey on 17 and an eagle on the par-5 18th.

The weather forecast for the weekend is for gusty winds and showers. On Friday, the wind subsided in the early afternoon after a gusty morning, then increased again late in the afternoon.

Nick Voke of New Zealand, who completed his first-round 64 on Friday morning due to a thunderstorm delay Thursday, shot a second-round 71 and was at 5 under, level with Cheung.

Defending champion Antonio Murdaca of Australia shot 70 Friday and was 1 under.