Jeev fumbles, slips to tied 2nd after round 2 at Japan Open

Kawagoe, Oct 13 (UNI) Jeev Milkha Singh failed to replicate his sensational opening round performance and carded a disappointing one-over 72 to lose his lead at the top and slip to the tied second position after round two of the Japan Open here today.

The seasoned Indian pro, who had taken the sole lead yesterday with a scintillating 65, found himself struggling for form today and ended up dropping five bogeys and a double bogey against six birdies to take his total to five-under 137 after two rounds.

Jeev got off to an eventful start and dropped two bogeys on the first three holes with a birdie sandwiched in between. The Indian looked to have returned to yesterday's form as he gained successive shots on the fourth and fifth but two bogeys on seventh and ninth once again pulled him back.

Making the turn at one-over, Jeev made a determined start with a birdie on the 10th but once again dropped a bogey on the very next hole. The rollercoaster ride continued till the very last hole but Jeev managed to sign off on a positive note with a last hole birdie.

At the top, Shingo Katayama (69) held a single shot lead over Jeev and two others.

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