On the back nine, Kapur birdied 12th and 14th and then landed an eagle on 18th to go up to 70 for the day and sit fifth after 36 holes. The difference in his play was that he reached the greens in regulation regularly to give himself birdie chances.

Randhawa, one-under 71 in first round, slipped with a 76 in second and ended at three-over 147. Chowrasia (74 and 74) was four-over as the cut came at one-over.

Paul Lawrie, former British Open winner, moved to eight-under with another flawless round on Friday.

Lawrie, adding a 69 to his first round 67, leads by two from Northern Ireland rookie Jonathan Caldwell, Dutchman Maarten Lafeber and big hitting Argentinian Daniel Vancsik.

Lawrie's playing partner Jose Maria Olazabal was impressed by his rival's play. Olazabal is in a tie for fifth with Ryder Cup Dane Soren Hansen, Shiv Kapur and France's Gregory Bourdy.