Shiv, Jyoti hold 1-2 spots

Shiv Kapur and Jyoti Randhawa scorched the course to occupy the top two spots at the midway stage of the $ 600,000 Volvo Masters of Asia and keep alive the hopes of ensuring 2005 does not end as a winless year for the Indians on the Asian Tour.

While rookie Kapur overcame a minor hiccup right at the end to emerge as the sole leader at 11-under 133, defending champion Randhawa shot the day’s best round of eight-under 64 on the strength of a brilliant back nine to rocket to the second spot at 10-under 134, just one behind his country mate.

The Volvo Masters of Asia has always panned out well for the Indians since its inception in 2002. While Arjun Singh lost out in a close finish and ended tied second in 2002, Randhawa was third with Harmeet Kahlon tied seventh in 2003. In 2004 when Randhawa won, Rahil Gangjee and Jeev Milkha were tied for ninth. Both Kapur and Randhawa paid glowing tributes to each other. “He is a fine young golfer and he is the one who is going to take over from us (seniors like Arjun Atwal, Jeev Milkha Singh and himself),” said Randhawa of Kapur.