Jeev Milkha Singh maintained his tied 11th spot despite a tough back nine, returning one-under 71 after 54 holes at the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket on Saturday.

The Indian ace suffered a double bogey and a bogey to be seven behind unexpected leader Richard Sterne of South Africa, who was in danger of missing the cut after a first round 75.

Sterne has since then shot two straight 64s to move into the lead at 13-under par total of 203.

Rahil Gangjee (71) moved up slightly from 23rd to 21st at four-under. Gaurav Ghei (74) had three bogeys and one birdie and dropped from overnight 32nd to tied 50th.

Shiv Kapur had four bogeys and just one bogey on a tough day and slipped from overnight 32nd to tied 58th.

Kapur was struggling with his putting needing 32 and 31 on first and third days but surprisingly needed just 23 on second day, when he hit the irons very well and came close to the flag.

It was an unusual round for Jeev, who won four titles last year, and also topped the Asian Tour Order of Merit.

The 35-year-old managed just 50 per cent greens in regulation but on the greens he was terrific, needing just 23 putts.

"I struggled on the back nine. I played rock solid for first nine holes. Wheels fell off on the 10th hole. I found the bunker off the tee and couldn't get it on the green," he said.

"I got into another greenside bunker and needed two shots to get out before two putting for a double bogey. Overall I'm happy. It was a tough day, the conditions were not easy. I will take one-under," said Jeev.

"On the back nine, I missed it [the green] on the wrong side on a few holes and had no chance. Should have been a bogey on the 10th honestly and then missed it on the wrong side on 17 and made bogey. That's what golf is all about," he added.

For the final day he said: "I will just go out there and give it my best shot. I'll be aggressive tomorrow and make as many birdies as possible. But on this course, you have to be smart and aggressive. I'm not driving it that good but I'll give it a go."