American Ryder Cup Captain Corey Pavin moved within one shot of joint overnight leaders Thongchai Jaidee and Kim Do-hoon at the Volvo China Open on Friday after firing five birdies on a bright second morning at Jinji Lakes International Golf Club.
Following on from an opening bogey-free five under par 67 on Thursday, in-form 50 year old Pavin reached the turn of his second circuit in three under par following a late hat-trick of birdies.
Pavin finished runner-up at the US Champions Tour event in the Dominican Republic at the end of last month and continued to outshine European counterpart and playing partner Colin Montgomerie, who was able to pick up two shots to edge to two under par.
Asian Number One Jaidee, making up the trio alongside Pavin and Montgomerie added a solitary gain over the links half of the unique set up just outside of Shanghai to push onto nine under par alongside 21 year old Kim with the Korean making a move at the third hole of his second round.
Despite a niggling elbow injury which prematurely ended his Masters Tournament bid, 40 year old Jaidee and Kim, who tasted victory on his native tour last week, held a two shot overnight lead after blazing opening rounds of eight under par 64 on Thursday despite the much cooler conditions.
Welshman Jamie Donaldson, who headed the overnight chasing pack alongside first round early pacesetters Liang Wen-chong and Pablo Larrazabal, remained two shots adrift with an early gain, while Alexander Noren made the most eye catching move on the second morning with four birdies in 11 holes, pushing the Swede to five under par.
