Sandhu takes sole lead in Taiwan Masters

India's Ajeetesh Sandhu mixed five birdies with two bogeys for a second round score of three-under-par 69 to take a one-shot lead at the Mercuries Taiwan Masters golf tournament here on Friday.

Sandhu, who started his round one shot off the pace, was two clear at one stage, but then dropped two shots to fall into a tie for the lead with Miguel Carballo (72-66).

However, the Indian, who has one win also in Chinese Taipei at the TPC Yeangder, birdied the 16th to take sole possession of the lead at seven-under-par 137.

Another Indian S Chikkarangappa, who missed two consecutive cuts in his last two events, found relief as he also progressed into the weekend rounds after posting a 71 to take a share of sixth place at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club.

Rashid Khan (72-71), Chiragh Kumar (72-71) were tied-17th at one-under, while Viraj Madappa (72-72) and Khalin Joshi (71-73) were tied-29th.

Among other Indians, Shiv Kapur (75-72), Aadil Bedi (74-74), Abhijit Chadha (72-76), Aman Raj (71-78)