Robert Karlsson of Sweden built up a four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the UBS Hong Kong Open on Friday.
Karlsson played perfect golf to match his first round of 64, who has yet to bogey a hole. Six more birdies took him to the top of the leader board at 12 under par.
Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez led the chasing pack after shooting 67 in the second round to go eight under.
Jimenez set the early clubhouse target, but Karlsson built on his form with birdies at the 2nd, 7th, 8th, 10th, 16th and 18th holes to seize control of the 2.25-million-dollar tournament.
"It's all been pretty good," Karlsson said. It's great to be in this situation because it's a course where if you try to overpower it you're going to have real problems."
Karlsson has played poorly on two previous visits to the Hong Kong Open but his form in the past two days has left him determined to keep up the momentum.
Canada's Mike Weir, one of the pre-event favorites, came into form Friday with a 64 to move into a share of third place on seven under.
The 2003 US Masters champion's seven birdies and a bogey saw him surge through the field to be one of the day's big movers.
Weir was joined by South Africa's Trevor Immelman, who blitzed the back nine with five birdies including three on the run from the 14th.
Immelman's 62 was the lowest round of the day, placing him at seven under alongside a clutch of players including Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, Swedes Jarmo Sandelin and Martin Erlandsson, Scotland's Barry Hume and American surprise package Bryan Saltus.
Source: Xinhua
|
Comment
Tell A Friend
Print Format
Save Article