Francesco Molinari extended his advantage at the World Golf Championships - HSBC Champions to three shots as the Italian carried his fine form from Thursday into the second round in Shanghai.
Leading Lee Westwood by one stroke overnight, Molinari wasted no time in cementing his advantage at Sheshan International GC with birdies at the second, fourth and seventh, although a bogey five at the ninth pegged him back to nine under par through 11 holes.
Westwood was yet to get going as six consecutive pars saw the 37 year old remain six under, where he was joined by Tiger Woods and Fredrik Andersson Hed.
Woods was two under for the day after picking up three birdies and one bogey in his opening seven holes, while three consecutive birdies from the second gave Hed's round the impetus it needed after the Swede played his opening nine holes level par.
Luke Donald and Noh Seung-yul were tied for fifth on five under, the Englishman one under for the day through nine holes, while Ian Poulter had climbed to four under par as three birdies in a row from the sixth negated a bogey at the fourth.
Ross Fisher, meanwhile, was in a group of 11 players at three-under that also included Padraig Harrington, Rory McIlroy, Phil Mickelson, Ernie Els and Richie Ramsay.
WGC - HSBC Champions Leader board
