From correspondents in India, 12:31 PM IST

Mysore lad Rahul Ganapathy has taken the clubhouse lead at the IOC XtraPremium Masters 2007, the second event of the 2007-08 PGTI here in Assam.

On a rain-hit Friday, Ganapathy finished with a card of even par 72 that took his overall total to three-under-par 141. Earlier in the day, play had to be suspended for 30 minutes as the greens were waterlogged due to the heavy rain.

With a heavy downpour during the day, play was cut short and 24 players were yet to complete their second round when play was suspended at 4 p.m. due to fading light.

Ganapathy teed-off from the back nine and his round of even par 72 included birdies on the third, seventh and ninth and bogeys on the 10th, 15th and 8th holes. While most golfers struggled to cope with the adverse weather, Ganapathy relished the tough conditions. 'I fancy my chances in these conditions,' said the leader.

He added: 'In such situations one must hit most of the fairways and greens and that is exactly what I managed to do.'

Ganapathy holds the course record at the Digboi Golf Links. He had shot 12-under-par 60 at this course in November 2002.

Trailing Ganapathy by one stroke is the old warhorse Mukesh Kumar. Mukesh grabbed second position after shooting one-over 73 that took his total to two-under 142. His round was punctuated by birdies on the 2nd, 9th and 14th and bogeys on the 5th and 16th besides a double bogey on the 11th.

In tied third position are Vijay Kumar and Round 1 leader Yusuf Ali. Even though Vijay shot even par and Yusuf shot five-over, their overall score reads an identical one-under 143.

The best and only sub-par round of the day was shot by Mandeo Singh Pathania. His round of two-under 70 included four birdies and two bogeys. Pathania is currently in tied 12th position and his overall score is four-over 148.

The players who could not finish their second round Friday will tee-off Saturday. After the second round is completed the cut will be decided for the weekend.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)