Mikko Ilonen surges into China lead

Mikko Ilonen has recorded a round of 63 to move three shots clear at the halfway stage of the China Open.

The world number 207 produced a faultless round to move to 12-under-par to take the lead in Tianjin, ahead of Brett Rumford and Kiradech Aphibarnrat.

Both players produced rounds of 67 to remain in contention, while first-round leader Robert-Jan Derksen moved to eight-under-par.

Lee Slattery and Pablo Larrazabal headed the European challenge by moving to seven-under, with Graeme Storm a shot further back on six-under.

2012 champion Brendan Grace moved as many as 57 places up the leaderboard after a round of 67 took him up to tied-23rd.

Author photo

Written by

Share this article:
Subscribe to our newsletter

Get FREE daily news and in-depth previews for games from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football — straight to your inbox.

Subscribe