Thai star Thongchai Jaidee shot a flawless seven-under-par 65 to take the second round lead at the CIMB Niaga Indonesian Masters on Friday while several Australians remain hot on his tail.
Seven birdies left Thongchai with a two-day total of 10-under-par 134.
Australia’s Scott Barr trailed by two in second place after shooting his second successive 68, at the $US750,000 ($A734,9600) Asian Tour event, while compatriot Wade Ormsby was in third a further shot back on 137.
Reigning Open Championship winner Ernie Els shot 70 to be tied in fourth place with Hung Chien-yao of Taiwan and Australians Kieran Pratt, Jake Higginbottom and Scott Hend.
Thongchai, who has four top 10s this season, wielded a hot putter as he continues his search for a 14th Asian Tour victory.
“My wife and two sons are here with me this week. My oldest son followed me for nine holes today but my youngest is at the hotel. I’m very happy with my family support,” he said.
A top-three result at the Royale Jakarta Golf Club will push him inside the top 60 on the Official World Golf Rankings, giving him a strong chance to qualify for the US Open next month.
Els endured an energy-sapping day but remained confident he was still in contention.
“Today was a bit of a jetlag day for me. I was trying to get some energy going. Hopefully I will have more energy tomorrow,” said the four-time Major champion.
“I think my game is all there. I just need to get a bit sharper mentally.
“I just need to eliminate some really small mistakes. This is the type of course where you can get a little bit aggressive.”