Jasin [MELAKA]: The competition at the Professional Golf of Malaysia (PGM) Orna Melaka Championship intensified as M. Sasidaran and Shaaban Hussin joined first round leader Nicholas Pua (71) at the top of the leaderboard on Thursday.

The trio finished the second day on six-under 138 at Orna Golf & Country Club to secure a one-stroke margin over Lam Yu Shuen, who managed a three-under 69 for sole fourth.

R. Nachimuthu showed a return to his early season form as he weighed in with a 69 of his own to trail by a further shot as Shaifubari Muda (67), Abel Tam (70) and Keegan Kam (72) settled for tied sixth on 141. Two-time Merit champion Nicholas Fung (68) was a shot back on two-under-par 142.

Sasidaran said he was “more than happy” with how he played today as he moved into contention for the first time in over two years.

“My iron shots and putting today was very good. I gave myself several good chances for birdie because my iron play was in good rhythm, and so too was my putting. But I need to work more on my driving as I’m not pleased with it. I know where I am going wrong and hopefully, can try to work it out,” said the 37-year-old.

“I have to keep trying to do the right things and concentrate on giving myself birdie chances. I will continue to try and improve – starting tomorrow,” added Sasidaran, who last title came in 2010.

Leading second round scores:
138 – M. Sasidaran 71-67, Shaaban Hussin 70-68, Nicholas Pua 67-71
139 – Lam Yu Shuen 70-69
140 – R. Nachimuthu 71-69
141 – Shaifubari Muda 74-67, Abel Tam 71-70, Keegan Kam 69-72
142 – Nicholas Fung 74-68
143 – Mohd Rizal Amin 74-69, Iylia Jamil 73-70