Luang Prabang (LAOS): Malaysia’s Khor Kheng Hwai moved into contention as Namchok Tantipokhakul of Thailand maintained his  lead at the halfway stage of the Luang Prabang Laos Open.

Following up on his opening 71, Khor carded a solid two-under 70 for a three-under 141 at Luang Prabang Golf Club to take a share of third alongside Chawinroj Krobteeranon (69), leaving him two strokes adrift of Namchok. The powerfully built golfer fired a one-under-par 71 to lead compatriot Udorn Duangdecha (71) by one shot.

Joint overnight leader Namchok held on to the lead by firing five birdies and four bogeys. “I had to work hard today to keep under par. I had to keep my concentration and I did that well,” said the 2009 ASEAN PGA Merit winner.

He began his round on the back nine and birdied the ninth, his final hole, to edge ahead. “I feel comfortable in the lead. I have not been in this position for a while so I just want to enjoy it,” added the 25-year-old, who is chasing his third crown on the regional circuit.

Veteran Udorn, aged 42, also put himself in a good position to secure his third title on the ASEAN PGA Tour . “I had a top-20 finish in last week’s Singha Pattaya Open but felt I could have done better so I am pleased that things are starting to happen this week,” said Udorn.

Leading second round scores (Thai unless stated)
139 – Namchok Tantipokhakul 68-71
140 – Udorn Duangdecha 69-71
141 – Chawinroj Krobteeranon 72-69, Khor Kheng Hwai (MAS) 71-70
142 – Wisut Artjanawat 73-69
143 – Borworn Chaisri 71-72
144 – Pravee Visalkit 73-71, Ratchapol Juntavara 72 72, Sutijet Kooratanapisan 68-76, Varut Chomchalam 73 71
145 – Kwanchai Tannin 73-72