Jeev Milkha Singh turned in a tidy back nine with three birdies for three-under 69 and was placed second after 36 holes in the second round of the US $ 140 million Yen Casio World Open golf tournament in Japan.

Jeev now totals nine-under 133.

The Indian ace, the overnight joint leader, was overtaken by Tetsuya Haraguchi, who shared the lead with him. Haraguchi shot a four-under 68 and was 10-under 132 and one ahead.

Hideki Kase (69) was third at eight-under, while three players -- Toshimori Muto (68), Shinichi Yokota (68) and Azumo Yano (71) were in tied fourth place at seven-under 135.

Yano was among the three leaders after first round. Jeev, who has been in top-10 ten times in Japan this season, had a birdie on first and seventh but he also bogeyed fourth and seventh to be even at the turn.

On the back nine, he bridied 11th, 12th and 18th to come three-under.

"That's as satisfying. I am still in touch," said Jeev.

Jeev had his first three putt of the tournament on fourth and said "the putting was a little off mark." He needed 31 putts as against 29 on first day.

"There are still two more rounds to go," added Jeev, who is now 12th on Japan Money list.