Ghei survives, four other Indians miss cut at BMW Asian Open

Shanghai, Apr 20 (UNI) Gaurav Ghei remained the lone Indian in contention on a disastrous second day where four of his compatriots failed to make the cut at the 2.3 million dollar BMW Asian Open here today.

Ghei carded a vastly improved two-under 70 to save the day for him at tied 44th spot but Shiv Kapur, Rahil Gangjee, SSP Chowrasia and Amandeep Johl, all failed to overcome their opening day blues and will have their weekends off due to poor showing at the second round.

Ghei had a flawless front nine, picking up a lone birdie while coming up with successive birdies from the 14th hole against a solitary bogey on the back nine at the Tomson Shanghai Pudong Golf Club.

Kapur was a touch unlucky as he managed an even-par performance today but his horrendous five-over 77 yesterday brough about his downfall.

Rahil, who was leading the Indian charge after the first round, missed the cut -- applied at three-over 147-- by a whisker, falling short by a single stroke. He finished with a poor two-over 74 today to aggregate three-over 147.

Talented youngster Chowrasia and Amandeep carded three-over 75 and four-over 76 respectively.

Overnight leader Frenchmen Raphael Jacquelin enjoys a three-shot lead over Korean Lee Sung, with a three-under 69 to total nine-under 135 after round two.

World number five Ernie Els, who won this tournament by 13 shots at 26 under in 2005, continued to struggle with his putting and carded the second successive one-under 71 to stand seven shots behind Jacquelin.

UNI