Defending champion Keita Nakajima started the day six shots off the lead and fired nine birdies, including five in a row from the 3rd hole, as well as three bogeys to close with a 6-under 66 and take a share of the lead at 4-under at the Hero Indian Open.

“It was a great day and also it was so fun. Two rounds, so yeah, two more days,” said the Japanese player.

“So my mindset changed. This is a tough course but a fun course. Me and my caddie were talking about playing it like a fun course. Just keep patient, and keep smiling. That was good.

“Maybe I will feel a little nervous tomorrow morning but I will try playing with a smile and also have fun. That’d be great.”

Spain’s Eugenio Chacarra closed with a 70 for his share of the lead having made two bogeys and a double bogey at the par-4 17th.

“Obviously it was tough. The afternoon wave in a course like this is going to be tougher and the wind picked up I think pretty much all day but it was tough,” said Chacarra.

“Obviously really pleased with the result. I think I started really good but I think I left some out there to be honest.

“I’m just trying to have fun. I know this course is a test for everyone and one bad swing hits you hard. So I’m happy with the result but obviously it’s only Friday. Really excited for hopefully a good weekend.”

Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Sweden’s Jens Dantorp both backed up their opening 71s with more 71s for a share of third place at 2-under alongside Italy’s Andrea Pavan who carded a 69 as well as England’s Matthew Jordan and the Netherlands’ Joost Luiten who both signed for 73s.

Overnight co-leader Marcus Kinhult of Sweden carded a 75 and moved down into T8 at 1-under. England’s Marcus Armitage who shared the lead shot a 68 and moved down into T25 at 2-over and finally Belgium’s Nicolas Colsaerts is T58 at 6-over having shot 82.

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