Defending champion Justin Thomas two-shots clear of CIMB Classic field
Friday 21 October 2016 20:02, UK
Justin Thomas carded a bogey-free six-under-par 66 to retain his lead after the second round of the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur.
The defending champion took advantage of ideal scoring conditions in sultry Malaysia to move to 14 under par and two shots clear of India's Anirban Lahiri, who posted a second successive 66.
"It was a solid day but nothing special for sure," said the American, who carded a opening-day 64 on Thursday. "I didn't feel like I played very well out there today."
Lahiri almost joined the 2015 champion atop the leaderboard but a double-bogey seven at the closing hole saw him slip two back.
"I've been playing well," said the Asian Tour Order of Merit champion. "It's just very disappointing to finish the way I did. I would have liked to be in a better position the way I've played but it's not over yet."
Scotland's Russell Knox, James Hahn of the United States and Hideki Matsuyama of Japan lie a further shock back on 11 under.
Knox jumped into contention with a nine-birdie 63, the lowest score of the week, while Hahn and Matsuyama signed for 64s.
Joint overnight leader Derek Fathauer of the United States posted a two-under 70 to drop back into a share of sixth spot with Australia's Marc Leishman (65) on 10-under-par 134.
Ryan Moore, winner of the tournament in 2013 and 2014, stayed within sight of Thomas adding an eight-birdie 65 to his first-round 71 to join a seven-strong group on eight under.
Adam Scott, the highest-ranked golfer in the field at world No 6, saw his title challenge all but dissipate, managing only a three-under-par 69 to finish nine strokes off the pace.
