Jeev makes cut in Spain, Chowrasia misses out

Andalucia (Spain): Despite dropping a bogey on his closing hole, Jeev Milkha Singh, Indian professional golfer easily made the weekend action as he finished the second round with a three-under 69 to claim one shot lead at the halfway stage of the Open de Andalucia Costa del Sol here.

Jeev, who had an even par 72 in the first round earlier, is now three-under 141 and tied for 31st. However, Jeev`s compatriot SSP Chowrasia had two bogeys on his second nine and missed the cut by two.

Chowrasia (75) finished at two-over following his first round 71. The cut came at even par and Chowrasia was two shots off the mark. Meanwhile, 29-year-old Eduardo de la Riva birdied the difficult final hole at Aloha Golf Club to take a one shot lead at the halfway stage.

He is followed by some well-established names, including 48-year-old Miguel Angel Jimenez (68) at seven-under in tied second place with Tommy Fleetwood (69). Also in the bunch in second place is European Tour`s youngest-ever winner 18-year-old Matteo Manassero (73).

Manassero had a record equalling 64 in first round. Jeev starting on the tenth, birdied the 10th and 12th holes before bogeying 13th. He quickly picked two more birdies on 14th and 16th and turned in three-under, which improved with a birdie on first.

However, bogeys on fourth and ninth ruined his card despite a birdie on fifth. Chowrasia, who had just one birdie on 14th and four bogeys, crashed out.