Digvijay Singh continued his fine march with three closing birdies in a row to post a second successive five-under 67 that put him within two shots of the leader, Prayad Marksaeng, at the inaugural USD 750,000 Chiangmai Golf Classic.
Digvijay, who achieved his breakthrough win last year after 12 years on the Asian Tour, is 10-under through 36 holes, while Marksaeng (65-67) is at 12-under.
Digvijay, who has been struggling with his form since he won the Panasonic Open India last year, almost pulled out of the event after being struck by a severe back pain once again.
But some advise from Jyoti Randhawa and a good massage from the physiotherapist, got Digvijay going again. Now with two rounds of 67 each he is two off the lead at the Alpine Golf Resort-Chiangmai.
Four other Indians made the cut, while five missed it.
Himmat Rai, also ran into timely form with a fine 67 that pushed him up to six-under and tied 17th, while Gaganjeet Bhullar (70-70), Shiv Kapur (69-71) and Anirban Lahiri (71-69) are all at four-under in tied 41st place.
Randhawa (71-72), Sujjan Singh (72-71) and Rashid Khan (72-71) missed the cut by a shot, while SSP Chowrasia (71-73) missed it by two. C Muniyappa had retired in the first round.
"Actually I was thinking of going home yesterday because my back was troubling me. Jyoti (Randhawa) asked me to walk around to warm up a bit. Thankfully the Asian Tour's physiotherapist did good work on my back and I'm feeling a 100 per cent," Digvijay said.
Digvijay, who defends the Panasonic Open India title next week at Delhi Golf Club, is happy with his form.
"It was nice to finish with three birdies on seven, eight and nine (his closing holes). I lost my putting touch in the middle of the round. I hit it really close on a couple of occasions but didn't convert them. I made a three putt on 15 and missed a four-footer on 14. It has been a long time.
"Since my win at Panasonic Open India I haven't done much. It has been a bit of a flash in the pan kind of performance so far (since last year).
