SAMUT PRAKAN, Thailand -- Thongchai Jaidee focused on winning his first title of the year, shooting a 4-under-par 68 Friday for an 8-under 136 total after the second round of the Volvo Masters golf tournament.

The two-time Asian Tour No. 1 sank seven birdies against one bogey and a double bogey to lead fellow countryman Thaworn Wiratchant, who completed a bogey-free round and was one stroke behind.

"I'm very happy with a 68 today. I know my game is getting better now and my putting is working. My driver is working too," said Thongchai, who needs to win the tournament to maintain his record of being the only player on the Asian Tour to win at least one title per year since 2000.

Thaworn, the 2005 Asian No. 1, finally regained his form after finishing at even par on the first day. He picked up seven birdies at Nos. 1, 3, 4, 7, 10, 11 and 16 on Friday for a 7-under 137.

"I wish I could shoot 7-under par every day," said Thaworn, 40, who is currently No. 13 on the Asian Tour Order of Merit. "I hit my approach shots below the pins which meant I had easier uphill putts. I should have figured that out yesterday."

Sharing third position were another Thai, Prom Meesawat, and the new Tour No. 1, Jeev Milkha Singha of India.

Meesawat hit a 2-under 70 for a 6-under 138 total.

Singha celebrated his 35th birthday Friday by shooting a 6-under 66 for a 138.

Overnight leader Prayad Marksaeng of Thailand, South Korean Lee Sung, Thai Chawalit Plaphol and Malaysian Edward Loar shared fifth place at 5-under 139.

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