Jeev makes the cut in Mitsui Sumitomo Masters

SHIZUOKA (Japan): Jeev Milkha Singh, winner of two events in Japan in 2006, made the cut in his first appearance on Japan Tour in 2007, when he came through the midway point in the 150 million Yen ($1.3 million) Mitsui Sumitomo Visa Taiheiyo Masters at the Taiheiyo Masters Golf Club.

Jeev, who has been dividing his time between Europe, Asia and some events in the US, bogeyed his two finishing holes on 17th and 18th and ended with a second round of 71. In the first round he shot 72 for a total of one-under 143.

Meanwhile, Toru Taniguchi (67-66), who leads the standings in Japan this year, took a two shot lead with two Australians, Brendan Jones (67-68) and Adam Scott (67-69) right behind him.

Jeev had three birdies and three bogeys in his first round, and in the second round, had three birdies and an eagle and four bogeys, two of which came on last two holes.

Taniguchi was at 11-under, while Jones was nine-under. Scott, who finished third in Singapore Open last week, was at eight-under.

Taniguchi has already won three tournaments on this year's Japan Golf Tour. He birdied four of his last five holes in second round to move two ahead of Jones and three ahead of Scott. The trio had shared the lead in first round.

Hiroo Kawai (68-69) of Japan was fourth at seven-under, while four other Japanese were at six-under.