Australia’s Brett Rumford remains in contention for back-to-back victories on the European Tour despite a late surge from Finland’s Mikko Ilonen in the second round of the Volvo China Open.
Rumford birdied his final four holes at Binhai Lake Golf Club in Tianjin to card a 67 and set the clubhouse target of nine-under-par, which was then matched by Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat.
However, Ilonen then birdied three of the same four holes that Rumford had hours earlier to complete a flawless 63 and claim a three-shot lead on 12-under-par.
Rumford won his first event since 2007 with an eagle on the first hole of a three-man play-off in the Ballantine’s Championship in Korea on Sunday, and the 35-year-old from Perth is keen to make the most of his return to top form.
“This is a new week and another tournament,” said Rumford, who started on the back nine and went to the turn in 35 before coming home in 32 thanks to those birdies on the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth.
“I feel good, my fitness is good and my energy levels feel nice and high, so hopefully I can ride the wave over the weekend and keep the good feelings going.
Ilonen’s 63 equalled his lowest round on the European Tour and gives him a great chance of claiming a first victory since the second of his two wins in 2007.
Overnight leader Robert-Jan Derksen also produced a strong finish with three birdies in his last five holes to finish four behind Ilonen on eight under, as he looks to end a run of 215 European Tour events without a win.
China’s Ye Wo-cheng, the youngest player in European Tour history at 12 years and 242 days when he played his opening round, shot a second consecutive 79 to finish 14-over-par.
Richie Ramsay is the leading Scot after he carded a second round 68 to lie seven off the lead. Joining him this weekend are Paul Lawrie, who fired a 72, Fifer Peter Whiteford (69), Stephen Gallacher and Scott Jamieson, who both scored 71.
Missing the cut, however, are David Drysdale, Marc Warren, Craig Lee, Scott Henry and Chris Doak.