Weather disrupting play in Malaysia

After Thursday's play was curtailed due to thunderstorms, Chopra returned to Horizon Hills and Country Club to complete his first round, carding a seven-under 64 that featured an eagle, seven birdies - including six on the front nine - and a double bogey five on the 12th to trail Dutchman Joost Luiten by one stroke.

The 37-year-old then compiled another impressive effort as seven birdies and just one bogey saw him climb to 13 under par and four strokes clear of the chasing pack before play was again halted due to what was termed a dangerous situation.

"It was an early start for me this morning. I had a good feel to finish my first round with a few birdies and I made another good putt for birdie on my first hole this morning, which got my second round off to the perfect start," Chopra told the European Tour website.

"I didn't drive the ball as well as I did yesterday, but my putting was perfect and my wedges were great.

"My iron play needs a little bit more work on the driving range this afternoon but if I can get that sorted out and get some rhythm with that, then hopefully I should be in for a good weekend."

Jamie McLeary joined Michael Jonzon in a tie for second on nine under par with the Scot four-under for the day with two holes to play.

Having carded a 66 in the first round, McLeary picked up three birdies on the back nine and although he bogeyed the fourth, the 30-year-old responded by picking up further shots at the sixth and seventh holes.

Jonzon, meanwhile, was seven under for his round in pursuit of compatriot Chopra with nine birdies aiding his rise up the leaderboard, although the Swede also collected two bogeys. He has one hole to play.

Bangladesh's Mohammed Siddikur and Swede Christian Nilsson sat at eight under par after a pair of 67s alongside first-round leader Luiten, who had just played the first.

Rhys Davies is among the group at seven under par after the Welshman returned a 65 containing eight birdies and two bogeys. Padraig Harrington was also six shots off the lead after the Irishman played his first three holes level par.

Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey - after an opening 69 - is one under par after three holes of his round.

Gareth Maybin carded a 71 in his second round.