Eddie Pepperell shot a 69 on Friday at Walton Heath Golf Club and will take a three-shot lead into the weekend at the Sky Sports British Masters.
On a brutally windy day, Pepperell finished the day with five birdies against two bogeys to reach 8-under par, three clear of countryman Matt Wallace, who shot an even-par 72.
Frenchman Julien Guerrier was also at 5 under but had completed just 15 holes before play was suspended due to darkness.
Pepperell is in the midst of a breakout season, winning his first European Tour title at the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters, and recording top 10s in five of his last eight starts, including two runner-up finishes and a T6 at the Open Championship.
“It’s a great spot,” said Pepperell. “I felt very comfortable. Frankly I feel like I’m not hitting the ball that well, really. I feel like there’s a lot more for me in terms of that department. Clearly I’ve putted well and I’ve thought my short game has been good. I’ve hung in there in tough conditions over 36 holes.
“I’m hoping to spend a little bit of time on the range and I’m hoping this weekend for my swing to feel a little more comfortable and then I can play some shots and take even more to the golf course because I’m pretty happy with where the rest of the game is at.”
England’s Jordan Smith carded a 69 and was at 4 under, a shot clear of a group of five players at 3-under par, including last week’s winner Lucas Bjerregaard, who shot a 5-under par 67 to move into the chasing pack.
Sky Sports British Masters
TOP 5: ROUND TWO
Pos-Player-To Par-(Today)
1. Eddie Pepperell -8 (-3)
2. Matt Wallace -5 (E)
2. Julien Guerrier -5 (-3)
4. Jordan Smith -4 (-3)
5. Andy Sullivan -3 (E)
5. Julian Suri -3 (-1)
5. Ross Fisher -3 (E)
5. Sam Horsfield -3 (-2)
5. Lucas Bjerregaard -3 (-5)
Credit: European Tour Media