Shanghai: Japan’s Hideki Matsuyama made light work of tough conditions at the WGC-HSBC Champions with a sparkling seven-under-par 65 to surge ahead of a stellar field after the second round at a wet and windy Sheshan International Golf Club yesterday.
World number three Rory McIlroy rediscovered his touch on the greens after struggling with the putter en route to a first-round 71, sinking seven birdies for a 66 to close within six shots of the lead going into the weekend.
The in-form Matsuyama started with a bogey and dropped another shot at the ninth but nine birdies gave him a three-shot lead over reigning champion Russell Knox and American Bill Haas on 13-under for the tournament.
Matsuyama carded 66 in Thursday’s opening round but went one better on Friday thanks to an error-free back nine, closing out the day’s lowest round with a stunning approach shot to birdie the final hole.
Early-pacesetter Rikard Karlberg of Sweden, who shot a first round 64, ended up with a 75 after five bogeys on the front nine, while Knox continued his strong start with a measured 68.
The Scot, who won on his debut at Sheshan last year, got his first birdie at the second before dropping a shot at the third. He steadied the ship by picking up shots on the fifth, seventh and eighth and another on the 12th.