Malaysia’s Shahriffuddin Ariffin lit up Pondok Indah Golf Club on Friday, delivering a bogey-free masterclass capped by two eagles to grab the halfway lead at the Mandiri Indonesia Open. Riding the momentum of a recent career-low 62, the 24-year-old fired a second-round 64 to reach 13-under, edging ahead of a stacked international field in Jakarta.

Ariffin’s eagles spark sizzling 64

Ariffin’s round caught fire with a hole-out from 107 yards for eagle on the par-four 15th, followed by a precise 5-iron to set up another eagle at the par-five 18th. Backed by four birdies and steely composure, the Malaysian carded the lowest round of the day, positioning himself as the man to beat heading into the weekend.

Play was briefly suspended due to lightning, leaving 24 players to finish their rounds on Saturday morning. The projected cut stands at three-under par.

Chasing pack ready to pounce

Thailand’s Suteepat Prateeptienchai continued his steady form with a bogey-free 66, sitting just one stroke behind. American Charles Porter, the towering 6’9” power hitter, also signed for a 66 to reach solo third at 11-under. Australia’s Travis Smyth surged with a 65 to hold fourth at 10-under, while Thai duo Itthipat Buranatanyarat and Tanapat Pichaikool joined American MJ Maguire at nine-under.

Indonesian hope Naraajie Ramadhanputra thrilled home fans with a five-birdie blitz en route to a 65, vaulting into a tie for eighth at eight-under.

For Ariffin, confidence is proving the key ingredient. “My confidence level is high,” he said. “I just kept telling myself to enjoy the game. There was no need to chase anyone — just play my own game, keep the momentum, and enjoy the golf course.”

With two rounds still to play and proven winners lurking close behind, the Mandiri Indonesia Open is primed for a dramatic weekend showdown in Jakarta.