Graeme McDowell set a scorching pace midway through the European Open second round.
The 28-year-old followed up his opening 65 with a five-under-par 67 to race three strokes clear of the field with a 12-under tally of 132.
Ross Fisher, who blitzed his way to a course record 63 on Thursday, was a late starter at London Club.
Sergio Garcia, playing alongside McDowell, crammed seven birdies and an eagle in a 64 to move alongside Fisher on nine-under.
A further two strokes adrift on seven-under was Paul McGinley, who recovered from a bogey-double bogey finish to his opening round by shooting a 68 for 137.
On another sunny day on the outskirts of the capital, McDowell made a fast start with three birdies in the first six holes.