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India’s Himmat Rai takes lead in rain-hit Malaysia

A handout picture taken and released by the Asian Tour on Thursday shows Taiwan’s Chang Tse-peng playing a shot on the opening day of the Iskandar Johor Open in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Chang carded 68 yesterday. PHOTO: AFP

India’s Himmat Rai stole the limelight by taking the second-round clubhouse lead at the Iskandar Johor Open yesterday with tournament marquee name K.J. Choi hot on his heels.

The young Indian, who only had 30 minutes to rest after completing his first round, where he also took the first-round lead, was in superb form as he posted a five-under-par 67 for a two-day total of 131 at the Asian Tour tournament.

Choi and one-time winner Darren Beck of Australia are a further stroke back after the duo posted matching 64s for a 132 total at the Royal Johor Country Club.

Taiwan’s Chang Tse-peng continued his impressive form as he stayed in touch with the clubhouse leader on 133. Lin Wen-tang shot 71 for a 138 total, while Chen Yuan-chi (75) and Lien Lu-sen (67) were both at 140.

Bad weather continued to affect play, leaving officials no choice but to reduce the tournament to a 54-hole stroke play tournament. Round two will resume this morning as 24 players have yet to complete their second round.

Additional reporting by staff writer



■CASTELLON MASTERS

REUTERS, CASTELLON, SPAIN

Martin Kaymer announced his ­return from a go-karting injury by joining Sergio Garcia on top of the Castellon Masters first-round leaderboard yesterday.

The 24-year-old German carded an eight-under-par 63 in his first tournament back from nine weeks out of action after breaking two toes in a karting accident.

Kaymer, who is still limping from the injury, played six holes of a round disrupted by high winds on Thursday. He holed a 40-foot putt to join tournament host and defending champion Garcia in a one-shot lead. Garcia had set the target the previous day.

Australian Robert Allenby, who came to Spain to ensure he ­qualifies for the European Tour’s Dubai World Championship, was one stroke off the lead overnight with seven holes to play and stayed the same. He shares third place with Swede Michael Jonzon, who finished his round on Thursday.



■FRYS.COM OPEN

AFP, SCOTTSDALE, ARIZONA

Australian Nick O’Hern rolled in six straight birdies on the back nine en route to a seven-under 63 for a one-stroke lead after the first round of the Frys.com Open on Thursday.

Bob Heintz and Heath Slocum both shot 64 and are tied for second place.
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