Australian Jordan Sherratt and Korea's Han Chang-won shared the lead on nine under par after the second round of the inaugural Asian Amateur Championship at Mission Hills.
Han, who started the day one shot off the pace, followed up Thursday's 66 with four birdies and a bogey in his 69, while Sherratt shrugged off a bogey at the first - where he missed a two-foot par putt - to card a five-under 67.
The tournament offers an invitation to the 2010 Masters at Augusta as a reward for the champion, with both the winner and the runner-up earning places in international final qualifying for the Open Championship next year at St Andrews.
"I have been playing really well over the last few days and putting well, which has helped me make birdies," said 21-year-old Sherratt.
"I didn't make the best start and missed a short putt to make a bogey on the first, but after that it was very good. I was hitting greens and making putts and I made birdies on the par-fives, too, which helps your scoring."
Han, meanwhile, underlined a steady approach saw him climb the leaderboard.
"I am a calm and patient person and that helps me to play consistently," he said.
"I didn't play with any pressure today and I feel that will allow me to play my best game tomorrow and the day after."
The pair lead by two shots from New Zealander Peter Spearman-Burn, who recorded a 68, while Filipino Mhark Fernando's 71 saw him finish the day alone in fourth, one shot further back at six under.