Saturday 4 November 2017 18:49, UK
Nicolas Colsaerts fired a round-of-the-day 64 to open up a four-stroke advantage at the halfway stage of the Turkish Airlines Open.
The Belgian, without a win since 2012, posted a second successive 64 at Regnum Carya Golf & Spa Resort, making seven birdies on a blemish-free card in scoring-friendly conditions.
Colsaerts pulled clear of nearest challenger Eddie Pepperell, who posted a five-under 66 to get to 10 under, with Kiradech Aphibarnrat a further stroke back in third.
English pair Matt Fitzpatrick and Matt Southgate share fourth spot with Stephen Gallacher and Shane Lowry, while Race to Dubai leader Tommy Fleetwood is in a tie for 38th after a one-under 70.
Beginning the day in a three-way tie for the lead, Colsaerts rolled in a 12-footer at the first and got a lucky break off the trees to save par at the next.
Colsaerts capitalised on a Joost Luiten three-putt at the third to hole a 10-foot birdie and move two ahead, before back-to-back gains from the fifth saw him reach the turn with a four-stroke cushion.
The former Ryder Cup star pitched to three feet at the 11th and got up-and-down from the rough to birdie the par-five next, before briefly moving six clear by converting from 15 feet at the 15th.
Pepperell closed the gap to four by closing his blemish-free card with back-to-back gains, while Gallacher moved up the leaderboard with five birdies in a seven-hole stretch around the turn.
Lowry temporarily moved into a share of third after four birdies in five holes from the 13th, only to bogey the last and close a five-under 66.
"I'm not that comfortable out there but I seem to be getting the job done," Lowry said. "Eight under is pretty good for two rounds. I'm pretty happy with that and I'm looking forward to the weekend."
Watch the Turkish Airlines Open throughout the weekend live on Sky Sports. Live coverage continues on Saturday from 9am on Sky Sports Golf and Sky Sports Main Event.
