The Thai duo of Panuwat Muenlek and Chapchai Nirat broke away from the chasing pack in the second round at the Pine Valley Beijing Open as they grabbed a narrow one stroke lead on Friday.

With birdies in the last two holes, the rookie Panuwat leaped to the top of the leaderboard with a two-under-par 70 while compatriot Chapchai battled through a stomach flu as he carded a bogey free 67 for a two day total of eight-under-par 136. American talent John Daly remained in contention when he shot a 71 in tied fifth place two strokes off the pace.

Overnight leader from India Gaurav Ghei was even-par for the day and slipped to tied third position together with Australia's Scott Strange who fired a 68 at the Pine Valley Golf Resort and Country Club.

After claiming his maiden win at the TCL Classic in March, Chapchai has been riding high and with five birdies today, the Thai talent has inched closer to a second triumph in China.

"I didn't expect to play so well because I had an upset stomach since Tuesday. I'm still affected by it and I feel weak. My condition has improved slightly and I hope to ride on my good form this season," said Chapchai, who birdied the sixth, eighth, 13th, 16th and ended his day with a final birdie on the 18th hole.

"I'm not really sure how I will be tomorrow because my chest and stomach still hurts but I'll hope for the best.

"I enjoy playing on this course as it suits my style too with long drives. My driving average is around 290 yards," he added.

Chapchai's friend and compatriot Panuwat enjoyed a good start when he struck two birdies but he slipped down the ranks after a double bogey on the 14th hole. But the young rookie displayed traits of a seasoned player as he bounced back with birdies on the 17th and 18th holes.

"I'm surprised that I am able to cope with players like Chapchai, John Daly and the other top players," said Panuwat, who is eager to tee off with Chapchai on Saturday.

"I have played with Chapchai before in local events, we are friends. We will be talking on course but at the same time focused on our own game. When I was very young, I used to picture myself being in this position playing with the leading players and here I am, so I am very happy.

"The golf course is in good condition, very beautiful but it is quite long. My strength is my driving and iron play so I hope to continue my good run of form and stay in the leading pack," added Panuwat, who won 10 amateur titles on the domestic circuit.

Despite slipping to tied third place, India's Ghei, who is currently ranked 10th on the Asian Tour's UBS Order of Merit, remained optimistic ahead of the weekend challenge in the $500,000 event.

"I didn't play too well but to be one shot off is not too bad at all. I didn't really have a good day and didn't hit the ball well in the first 11 holes as I was even par. I told myself to just hang in there. I got my rhythm back after the 11th hole but unfortunately I didn't make any putts. But I'm pretty happy with my result overall," said Ghei, who won the Mercuries Taiwan Masters last year.

Daly, with two Major titles under his belt, was disappointed with his performance in the second round as he shot six birdies against five bogeys.

"I am disappointed as I shot too many bogeys but I hope for a better round tomorrow," said Daly.

"The course was alright but the wind picked up slightly today, but overall it just wasn't what I expected," he added.

Local hero Liang Wenchong carded a 69 in tied ninth place alongside Singapore's Mardan Mamat who shot a 70 three strokes off the lead. China's Zhang Lianwei picked up the pace with a 69 as he made the cut in joint 40th position alongside South African Anton Haig, the UBS Order of Merit leader, who improved with a 70.

(China Daily April 28, 2007)