Jeev tied seventh, four shots off the lead

TOKYO - Three birdies on the back nine hauled Jeev Milkha Singh back into the picture as he moved up to tied seventh and just four shots behind the leader at the midway stage of the season-ending Nippon Series JT Cup golf Friday.

Jeev, tenth overnight, was one-over through 10th, but then birdied 11th, 14th and 17th with a bogey in between on the 13th for a round of 69 at the Tokyo Yomiuri Country Club.

Former US Tour player Shigeki Maruyama moved into the lead with three-under 67 that brought him to three-under 137. He is one clear of Tomohiro Kondo (67).

Toshinori Muto (69) shared third place at one-under with first-round co- leaders Hiroyuki Fujita, Masaya Tomida and South Korean Kim Kyung Tae, who all carded 70 each.

Maruyama is seeking his first win since returning to the Japanese tour this year. Maruyama, a three-time winner on the PGA Tour, sank three birdies in a four-hole stretch from the third hole before having one more birdie and one bogey on the back nine.

The Money List leader, Ryo Ishikawa struggled at the bottom of the 27-man field. He had a 72, leaving him tied for 26th at 10- over.

No. 2 Yuta Ikeda (69) moved up to tied 22nd at seven-over but is 10 shots off the lead. The 23-year-old has to win this event to overtake Ishikawa on the money list.

Regardless of who wins the Money title, Ishikawa or Ikeda, they will both break Masashi ‘Jumbo’ Ozakis record as the youngest player to top the Money List on Japan Tour. Ozaki won it at the age of 26, while Ikeda is 23 and Ishikawa just 18.