The second event of the UK Swing, which got underway with the Betfred British Masters this week, will be held at the Forest of Arden Mariott Hotel and Country Club in Birmingham.
The 31-year-old from Chandigarh picked up three birdies against two bogeys to take his total to 10-under 203 to share the 11th spot with nine others at the Phoenix Gold Golf and Country Club.
Playing on country exemption and outside the top-100 on the Asian Tour’s order of merit, this week and the next in Malaysia are crucial as he looks to break into the top-60 or at least 100 for more playing opportunities.