Saturday 25 April 2015 08:28, UK
Frenchman Julien Quesne fired a five-under-par 67 on Friday to grab the halfway lead at the Volvo China Open after his compatriot and defending champion Alexander Levy faltered over the closing stages of his second round.
The 34-year-old Quesne made six birdies in Shanghai to put himself in sight of his third European Tour title and first since 2013.
His eight-under total left him one clear of Levy, who looked set to move clear before finding water with his approach at the par-four 16th and double bogeying the hole.
Defending champion Levy, also 34 and looking for his third European title, followed with another bogey at the par-three 17th but birdied his last to move within one on seven under after a 68 alongside American Peter Uihlein, who pitched in for eagle at the 18th to cap a 67.
Quesne said: Today was a little easier than Thursday, because there was less wind. But I also played much better today, so that was the main reason for my good score. I felt very comfortable and hardly missed any shots, so it was a very good day all round.
“My performance last week definitely helped build my confidence, so I felt good at the start of the week and I’m still feeling good now. But there’s a long way to go."
Levy added: “It was another very good day for me. I played very solid and enjoyed the day, except for the 16th hole, where I made a stupid mistake. But I made a nice birdie on the last, so I’ve already forgotten about the 16th. There was no wind today so it was much easier to control my distance, and my iron shots were very good.
“I’ve really enjoyed myself so far, so I hope that can continue. I don’t want to think about my game too much, just be natural. Fairways and greens, that’s all. If I can hole some putts, maybe I will have a chance. I hope so.”
Thailand's Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who won last week's European Tour title in Shenzhen, moved into contention for another victory after firing a 68 early on Friday to move into a tie for fourth.
Italy's Matteo Manassero matched the Thai's mark with Wu Ashun (66) and Li Hao-Tong (68) leading the local charge to join the pair at five-under.
It was a welcome return to form for Manassero but he admitted he was not yet "out of the woods" after a difficult couple of years.
Manassero became the youngest ever winner of the BMW PGA Championship in 2013, claiming his fourth European Tour title at the age of 20 in a play-off at Wentworth. Since then he has made just three top-10 finishes and missed the cut in his first five events this season.
"I'm playing very solid golf and I'm glad to have my confidence back and to be shooting some good scores again," he said. "I like this course and it suits my game.
"I'm not there yet and I don't want to say I'm completely out of the woods just yet, but everything is much clearer now and I'm definitely on a much better path.
"At least I can see the woods are finishing and I am glad to be standing in this position after two rounds."
Live coverage of the third round in Shanghai begins Saturday at 6am on Sky Sports 4HD - your home of golf.
