Nacho Elvira believes his putting has been the key to his recent good form as he put himself in contention again at the Volvo China Open.
The Spaniard finished third on home soil at the Open de España two weeks ago and a 67 on Friday had him just one shot back heading into the weekend at Topwin Golf & Country Club.
He made four birdies in a row from the third with further gains on the 11th and 13th and bogeys on the ninth and 12th before birdieing the last.
"I got off to a very good start with four birdies in a row in the first six holes and then overall it was solid from tee to green and I made a few putts," he said.
"I think the putting stood out, I put a lot of work into my putting and I’m starting to roll them really well - my speed is much better than the beginning of the season so as a consequence of making better putts, I’m getting better scores.
I’ll try to stay calm and positive and see what the weekend has in store - Nacho Elvira
"I’m in a good position going into the weekend and I’m happy with how I’m striking the ball and the way I’m behaving on the golf course. I’ll try to stay calm and positive and see what the weekend has in store."
Australian Jason Scrivener looked like he would lead the way heading into Saturday but a double-bogey on the ninth dropped him back alongside Elvira at eight under after a 69.
"It was very frustrating," he said. "I could feel I was kind of leaking away towards the end. I’m pretty exhausted after being awake since 2am but there are no excuses, it’s just not the best way to finish a round.
"I feel like I have progressed slowly over the last couple of years and I feel like I’m close to winning out here. I’ve just got to put myself in these positions more often.
"It’s hard work and mentally, being persistent, working hard and doing the right things and hopefully I’ll get that win soon."
Sihwan Kim completed the group in a share of second after an excellent bogey-free 66.
The American was a Challenge Tour graduate in 2013 but has not held a full exemption since 2014.
He finished third at the Hero Indian Open last month and was glad to keep his momentum going in Beijing.
"It was a pretty good round," he said. "It was quite windy out there, especially on my back nine, so to finish bogey-free feels pretty good.
"My irons were good today. I was a little bit shaky off the tee but the course is wide enough for me to get my iron shots onto the greens.
"My distance control was spot on. With this wind, it’s definitely playing quite different from yesterday. Some of the tee shots and approach shots, you have to adjust with the wind and some holes, it plays a lot shorter and some are playing longer.
"All in all, I am very happy with where I stand now heading into the weekend. Having the bogey-free round today helps my confidence quite a bit. I will play my best for the next few days."
