Golf-Jimenez breezes to an early share of second in China

Former champion Miguel Angel Jimenez shot a three-under-69 to move into a share of second place midway through the second round of the Asian Open on Friday, one shot behind overnight leader Raphael Jacquelin.

With Frenchman Jacquelin, who recorded a 66 on Thursday, yet to tee off, the 2004 winner's bogey-free round put the Spaniard in the clubhouse at five under par alongside Soren Kjeldsen and Joakim Backstrom.

"I feel very comfortable in this position," the 43-year-old Jimenez told reporters at the $2.3 million Asian and European Tour event.

"Five under par after two rounds when it's quite breezy on the golf course is very good. At the moment the lead is minus six, but he'll have to play this afternoon."

World number five Ernie Els, who won this tournament by 13 shots at 26 under in 2005, continued to struggle with his putting and carded a second 71 to stand four shots behind Jacquelin.

"Just not making the putts out there," the South African said.

"I am playing okay, just not scoring. A little frustrating. One bogey, two birdies, a bit of a boring round really."

TOUGH COURSE

Dane Kjeldsen, who would have had a share of the first round lead but for a three-putt at his last, picked up birdies at his fourth and sixth holes on Friday to briefly top the leaderboard at seven under.

A double bogey when he found the water at the next hole, however, followed by another dropped shot immediately afterwards left him at four under and he needed another birdie at his 12th to give him a par 72.

"The course played tough again today and I made a few putts out there which kept me going and I don't think level par is too bad," said the 31-year-old, whose single European Tour title came at Gleneagles in 2003.

Swede Backstrom, who is also looking for a second Tour title, declared himself satisfied with his 69 despite putting "a bit poorly".

Britain's European Tour rookie Kyron Sullivan looked to be on for a 64 after an eagle and six birdies put him eight-under for the day approaching the 18th, but a double bogey at the last left him at three under.

Two time major winner John Daly will almost certainly have the weekend off after shooting a 76 to finish 11-over for the first two rounds.

"The fairways were too narrow for me," the big-hitting American told reporters. "I had nowhere to hit the golf ball. This is not even fun for me."