Jeev takes sole lead at Okinawa Open

Jeev Milkha Singh opened up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the US$830,000 Asia Japan Okinawa Open after firing a sizzling nine-under-par 62 on Friday.

The Indian stalwart produced nine birdies to establish a new course record at par-71 Naha Golf Club, Okinawa, and his two-day total of 13-under-par 129 was well clear of second placed Lin Chie-Hsiang of Chinese Taipei, who carded a 67.

Another Indian in the fray, Amandeep Johl, also impressed and is placed joint eighth after a second round score of 67. With a two-under 69 in the opening round, Johl's tally read 136.

Overnight leader Charlie Wi of Korea added a 69 to his opening 65 to lie in third place on 134 in the event jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and Japan Golf Tour Organisation.

It is the first counting event for the 2005 season for both Tours.

Jeev, who is yet to record a win since 1999, said: "I've shot nine-under-par twice previously but this is the first time on a par-71 course. I just concentrated on each shot and didn't think about the score. I have been playing well in the past three weeks, so I'm looking forward to the weekend. It's been quite a while since I last won."

The cut was applied at 141 with 70 players qualifying for the weekend rounds.