The European Tour rookie, Richard McEvoy, shot an accomplished round to retain his overnight lead at the Hong Kong Open and reach half-way at 10-under-par. But the defending champion, Fredrik Jacobson, is refusing to relinquish his title without a fight and finished as the closest challenger on seven-under-par after shooting a 65.

McEvoy followed Thursday's course-record-equalling 62 with a "solid" 68. His two dropped shots - on the fourth and 16th - were followed each time with birdies. "I played good solid golf today," he said. "I didn't hole as many putts as I did yesterday, but didn't really hit it in close enough to hole many putts. After such a low first round, it's nice to get a good steady round in, shoot a couple under and let everyone chase it."

Scotland's Steven O'Hara and Amandeep Johl of India began the day in second, four off McEvoy, but each recorded one-over rounds of 71 to enter the weekend on three under with Darren Clarke, who managed a 69 after a double bogey six on the 14th.