Chopra carded a 67 today while Hart signed for a 68. Woody Austin is another stroke back along with Matt Jones.
Van Pelt is looking for his first win in 7 years on the PGA Tour. His best shot came at the Puerto Rico Open, where he led for three-plus rounds before losing to first-time winner Greg Kraft.
Just nine of the top 50 players in the world ranking are competing at this event.
(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-06-27-08 1936EDT