South Africa’s Louis Oosthuizen continued his remarkable form to lead the Maybank Malaysian Open as the second round was completed.
The 29 year old led the Shell Houston Open after three rounds two weeks ago before finishing third, then produced a tremendous display at The Masters Tournament.
A historic albatross at the par five second took him into a play-off with Bubba Watson, before the 2010 Open Champion narrowly missed out on a second Major Championship.
The four-time European Tour winner then made the 30-hour journey from Augusta National to Kuala Lumpur, but there was no sign of physical or mental fatigue as he moved to ten under par on his return to Kuala Lumpur Golf & Country Club.
“It is nice to play in the morning,” said Oosthuizen, after returning to add birdies at the 14th and 15th for a second round 68, following an early finish on Friday due to thunder and lightning.
“You feel loose as it’s so hot. I felt comfortable as I had a good night’s rest and I felt good this morning at the range and hit a few good shots.
“I like the golf course. I didn’t play very well last year but it’s a good track. I think there are a lot of birdie opportunities out there if you hit the greens. You adapt quickly.
“I think you get used to the travelling and stuff. It’s a tough week. You know beforehand that it’s going to be tough and your mindset is as such that you know it’s going to be tough. But it’s been okay.”
At ten under Oosthuizen held a one shot lead over compatriots Jbe Kruger and Hennie Otto, both of whom finished their rounds on Friday, as well as Stephen Gallacher after the Scot completed a 68.
As the third round begun, France’s Romain Wattel moved into a share of the lead.
The 21 year old birdied the first and second, the latter with a long putt from off the green.
He and Oosthuizen were on ten under, one ahead of Kruger, Otto and Gallacher, while in-form Spaniard Rafael Cabrera-Bello birdied the first three to move to eight under.
In soft conditions the tournament was turning in to a birdie fest, and Gallacher joined in the fun with a ten footer at the second for a share of the lead.
