KARACHI: Maintaining his consistent run, Gujranwala’s Mohammad Safdar Khan fired three under par 69 in the second round to surge on top in the UMA 19th Chief of the Naval Staff Open Golf Championship at Karachi Golf Club on Friday.

Safdar, who shot a polished four under 68 in the first round to finish a stroke behind overnight leader Hamza Amin, remained in contention with a two day aggregate of 137, seven under par.

On his heels a stroke behind at 138 is DHA’s Imran Ali Khan, who posted a card of four

under par 68. He shot two under 70 in the first round.

Tied in the third place at three under 141 is a quartet which comprised Hashmat Khan (DHA), M. Ashfaq (Airmen Golf Club), Mohammad Munir (Islamabad) and Naseer Khan (Peshawar). Hashmat had a best second round card of 67.

Despite playing two under 70 in the second round, ace golfer and former CNS Open champion Shabbir Iqbal is trailing at two under at fourth place with 142 along with Lateef Rafiq.

Overnight leader Hamza has slipped to fifth position alongside defending champion Waheed Baloch and Mohammad Zubair all having two day aggregate of one under 143.

Hamza, who caught the eye with an impressive five under 67 to lead the pack in the first round, was off the mark as he shot four over 76 in the second round.

Leader board after second round Pros:

137 -- Mohammad Safdar Khan (Gujranwala) 68, 69

138 – Imran Ali Khan (DHA) 70, 68

141 – Hashmat Khan (DHA) 74, 67; M. Ashfaq (Airmen Golf Club) 73, 68; Mohammad Munir (Islamabad) 71, 70; Naseer Khan (Peshawar) 70, 71

142 – Mohammad Shabbir Iqbal (Islamabad) 72, 70; Lateef Rafiq (Gymkhana) 72, 70

143 – Mohammad Zubair (Islamabad) 72, 71; Waheed Baloch (KGC) 70, 73; Hamza Amin (Islamabad) 67, 76

Amateurs:

147 – Saim Shazli (KGC) 77, 70

149 – Taimur Khan (Peshawar) 75, 74

150 -- Siddique (KGC) 76, 74; Omar Shikoh Khan (KGC) 75, 75

Published in Dawn, June 21St, 2014