Wednesday March 31, 2010, 05:13 PM

Sweden's Richard Karlberg tightened his grip in the SAIL Open after retaining his lead with a second round three-under-par 69 on Wednesday.

The Asian Tour rookie produced an impressive back nine performance highlighted by four birdies for a two-day total of 10-under-par 134 at the Delhi Golf Club.

Veteran Gaurav Ghei of India signed off with a 67 to sit in second place on 135 while compatriot Shamim Khan and Thai stalwart Chinnarat Phadungsil are a stroke back on 136 in the 300,000-dollar Asian Tour event.

Japanese Kodai Ichihara recovered from his disastrous 76 with a sizzling 64, sprinkling his card with nine brilliant birdies against one bogey to move up to tied 10th place.

Starting from the back nine, Karlberg endured a slow start where he turned in 37. He bounced back brilliantly after a birdie four on the first hole where he reached the green in two.

"It was a good recovery on the back nine and my game plan is to get to 18-under, I think that would be the winning score," said the 23-year-old.

Ghei, 41, got off to a bright start when he had an easy tap in for an eagle three on the first hole after a pin point approach shot with his rescue club. He however rued missed chances where he made par from the second hole onwards but was delighted to close with three birdies over his last four holes.

"It was a strange round because I started off hitting it really well but couldn't convert my chances. On the back nine I was hitting it average but holed a few putts!" said Ghei, holder of three Asian Tour victories but not since 2007.

"I'm a shot back so I'm obviously playing all right. I've won on this golf course before and had a couple of good finishes. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed and go out and have some fun," added the Indian.

The cut was set at one-over-par 145 with a total of 69 players making it through to the final two rounds.

© 2010 AFP/sid