Lorenzo-Vera stays one step ahead

Michael Lorenzo-Vera of France is enjoying a great start to his rookie year on the European Tour and produced another battling performance on Friday to move a single shot ahead of his closest rivals at the Volvo China Open.

Lorenzo-Vera carded a 3-under-par 69 to take his two-day total to 8-under-par 136, ahead of England's Richard Finch and Ireland's Damien McGrane, who both finished on matching 137s.

England's Oliver Wilson, who posted the day's best score of 66, is a further shot back in fourth place while defending champion, Markus Brier of Austria, is tied for fifth with Jason Knutzon of the United States, England's Zane Scotland and Simon Griffiths