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Englishman Dougherty remains in contention in Malaysia

07/03/2008

Nick Dougherty is the joint leader at the halfway stage of the Malaysian Open.

After a heavy downpour and lightning suspended play for two hours, Dougherty carded 70 at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club.

Dougherty, who fired 62 in his opening round yesterday, struggled in the conditions and managed four birdies and two bogeys.

The Liverpudlian is joined on 12 under by home favourite Danny Chia, who sunk six birdies in his 65.

Dane Soren Kjeldsen lies one stroke behind after going round in 68, his card including an eagle and three birdies. India's Jyoti Randhawa is also on 11-under, having been on six-under for his second round through 16 holes before bad light suspended play.

Randhawa is one of 49 players who will return at 07.45 local time tomorrow to complete their second rounds.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and Sweden's Peter Hedblom both fired 68 to lie on ten-under.

McDowell said he was mystified why he did not match his composed round yesterday.

"I don't know if the pins are a bit tucked away but it was a little frustrating to birdie three of the first five and then play the next 12 with the handbrake on," McDowell said.

"It was nice to birdie the last though so four under is not bad but I would have like to have picked up a few more."

Meanwhile England's Simon Dyson is on nine-under after 16 holes of his second round, while Darren Clarke followed his opening 69 with a 68 to climb to seven-under.