Jyoti Randhawa recovered from a mid-round slump by stroking in four birdies in the space of six holes to card a two-under 70 and was placed tied fifth after the second round in the Portugal Masters in Vilamoura.
The Delhi-pro, who shared the second spot after a flawless opening round of 66, is eight-under 136 overall.
However, it was curtains for the other Indian in fray, Shiv Kapur, who missed the cut by two strokes after carding a 74 in the second round which left him two-over 146.
Randhawa, a 10th tee starter, opened with a birdie but dropped a stroke on the very next hole. He gained a shot on the 12th but a bogey on the 14th meant that the Indian made the turn even-par.
Things took a turn for worse when he dropped consecutive bogeys on the first and second but Randhawa recovered just in time to fire four birdies in the space of six holes to remain inside the top-five.
At the top, Welshman Stuart Manley (68) continued to lead with a total of 11-under. He was followed a stroke behind by Spaniard Alvaro Quiros (68).
