WGC-HSBC Champions: Matthew Fitzpatrick leads from Rory McIlroy in China

Fitzpatrick recently won on the European Tour at the Omega European Masters in September 2018WGC-HSBC Champions second-round leaderboard-11: M Fitzpatrick (Eng); -10: R Mclroy (NI); -9: X Schauffele (USA), A Scott (Aus), S-J Im (Kor); -8: H Li (Chn) Selected others: -6: P Waring (Eng); -5: J Rose (Eng), R Macintyre (Sco); +1: D Willett (Eng), T Hatton (Eng) Complete standings

Matthew Fitzpatrick of England produced a bogey-free round of 67 to lead Rory McIlroy in the mid-way of the WGC-HSBC Champions in Shanghai.

Fitzpatrick, 25, fired five birds on the Sheshan International course to reach 11 under par, a shot for McIlroy from Northern Ireland, 30.

McIlroy also played a 67 on day two, as leader of the night Li Haotong remained at eight under after an even round lap.

Paul Waring from England shot a seven under par par 65, the lowest round of the day.

& # 39; Excited for the weekend & # 39; – McIlroy

Rory McIlroy started scoring well early to get close to the lead

Fitzpatrick, the world's number 27, took advantage of a good put display and ended his day with a 15-foot birdie.

"The back nine, I put down fantastically, as well as I put down all year," said Fitzpatrick, who last won the Omega European Masters in September 2018.

McIlroy drew four birdies in a row between the third and sixth holes before his putter cooled down, although he had no trouble brushing a three-foot eagle putt on the par-five 18 after a beautiful approach shot.

"Welcome the first two rounds," he said. "To put myself right in the fight during the weekend is something I wanted to do.

" It is something that I have not done much in recent weeks. I had a kind of bad start and eventually regained a good position, but after two days being right in the tournament, I am enthusiastic. "

Danny Willett of England moved from his existence in position at four bottom to one above par after a round of 77 that contained seven bogeys and a double bogey.