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Karlsson opens up commanding lead in Hong Kong

Sweden's Robert Karlsson opened up a commanding four-shot lead at the halfway stage of the UBS Hong Kong Open yesterday, playing perfect golf to match his first round of 64.

Karlsson has yet to bogey a hole and six more birdies took him to the top of the leaderboard at 12-under, with Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez leading the chasing pack after shooting 67 in the second round to go eight-under.

Jimenez's morning start allowed him to set the early clubhouse target, but Karlsson built on his first round 64 with birdies at the second, seventh, eighth, 10th, 16th and 18th holes to seize control of the US$2.25 million tournament.

The 38-year-old Swede only used his driver once in the second round but his conservative approach was rewarded.

Canada's Mike Weir came into form yesterday, equalling Karlsson's 64 to move into a share of third place on seven-under.

The 2003 US Masters champion's seven birdies and a bogey saw him surge through the field to be one of the day's big movers.

Weir was joined by South Africa's Trevor Immelman, who blitzed the back nine with five birdies including three on the run from the 14th.

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