Welshman Jamie Donaldson fired a breathtaking 11-under-par 61 to grab the half-way lead in the Volvo China Open at the Luxehills International Country Club.
The 35-year-old journeyman upstaged a host of bigger names to post an impressive two-round total of 13-under-par 131 and enjoy a one-shot lead over seven players in the southwestern city of Chengdu.
But there will be two notable absentees at the weekend after the halfway cut was made at five-under-par 139.
Defending champion YE Yang from Korea, who fired a 75 to finish one under, did not make it, nor did three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington, who shot a disappointing 73 to end level par and continue his rotten run of form.
In contrast, Donaldson did not drop a shot and made five birdies on the outward half and six coming home. Twice he made three birdies in a row from 10 to 12 and the closing three holes.
Tied for second are a clutch of players including the Irish duo of Peter Lawrie (64) and Gareth Maybin (67).
Spanish star Sergio Garcia returned a 67 to move to 11-under-par for the tournament, which is being co-sanctioned by OneAsia and the European Tour.
Liang Wenchong from China, who claimed last year's OneAsia Order of Merit title, fired a 66 and is a stroke further back.
Korean Han Chang-Won, the 19-year-old who was the clubhouse leader on the first day, fired a 70 and is 10 under for the tournament.
