JOHOR BAHRU, November 18, 2011 (AFP) - Daniel Chopra of Sweden fired a six-under-par 65 in the second round of the weather-hit Iskandar Johor Open on Friday, 18 years after his first professional victory in Malaysia.
Chopra, a two-time PGA Tour winner, returned in the morning to complete four holes of his opening round before setting the clubhouse target of 13-under-par 129 at the $2 million event sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.
An in-form Siddikur of Bangladesh fired a 67 to lead the Asian charge in tied second place with Sweden's Christian Nilsson and Michael Jonzon on 134 at the scenic Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.
Threats of lightning suspended play for two hours and 30 minutes before the second round was stopped due to darkness. A total of 70 players will return early Saturday to complete their rounds.
Chopra, who grew up in India, rekindled his love for the country where he won his first professional title at the 1993 Johor Open.
"My first ever professional win was here in Johor so I have fond memories here," smiled Chopra, who earned his 2012 PGA Tour card through the Nationwide Tour this year.
Chopra took advantage of the ideal scoring conditions early in the morning, turning in 33 before shooting four birdies in six holes highlighted by three straight birdies from the 13th hole.
Siddikur, winner of the 2010 Brunei Open, birdied his opening two holes before making a huge 15-foot par save on the 15th. He added three more birdies against one bogey to trail the clubhouse leader by five shots.
"I'm happy with my round because my hitting has really improved. I missed the cut last week and that was disappointing but I'm glad I've regained my form. I'm in good position, I think it sets me up nicely for the weekend," said Siddikur, who returned to complete six holes in his opening round on Friday.
Nilsson, who has five top-10s on the European Tour this season, battled through fatigue to keep himself in contention of ending a two-year title drought.
"It was pretty tiring for the last few holes -- it's difficult enough just to play 18 in these hot conditions, let alone 25. But I had plenty of snacks in my bag, and luckily they kept my energy levels up, even though I was feeling pretty tired towards the end of my round," said Nilsson, who shot 67.
Overnight leader Joost Luiten of the Netherlands was nine-under through six holes while title holder Padraig Harrington of Ireland was two strokes back after nine holes.
Scores Friday after the second round of the Iskandar Johor Open at the par 71 Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club course (a- denotes amateur):
129 - Daniel Chopra (SWE) 64-65
134 - Siddikur (BAN) 67-67, Christian Nilsson (SWE) 67-67, Michael Jonzon (SWE) 69-65
135 - Soren Hansen (DEN) 68-67, Rhys Davies (WAL) 70-65, Soren Kjeldsen (DEN) 71-64, Darren Beck (AUS) 70-65, Brett Rumford (AUS) 71-64, Manny Villegas (COL) 72-63
136 - Rikard Karlberg (SWE) 70-66, Chapchai Nirat (THA) 65-71, Peter Karmis (RSA) 70-66, Jamie Mcleary (SCO) 66-70, Marcel Siem (GER) 69-67
137 - Mardan Mamat (SIN) 69-68, Steve Webster (ENG) 69-68, Sam Walker (ENG) 70-67
138 - Panupol Pittayarat (THA) 69-69, Juvic Pagunsan (PHI) 71-67, Shiv Kapur (IND) 70-68, Oliver Fisher (ENG) 70-68, Miguel Tabuena (PHI) 71-67, Julien Clement (SUI) 71-67
139 - Camilo Villegas (COL) 69-70, Christian Cevaer (FRA) 67-72
140 - Steven O'Hara (SCO) 68-72, Bradley Dredge (WAL) 74-66, Thomas Levet (FRA) 74-66, Ross Fisher (ENG) 71-69, Colin Montgomerie (SCO) 69-71, Rafael Cabrera-Bello (ESP) 72-68, Ross Bain (SCO) 69-71, Scott Hend (AUS) 70-70, Gregory Havret (FRA) 68-72, Peter Lawrie (IRL) 69-71, Lee Sung (KOR) 71-69, Mars Pucay (PHI) 70-70