Defending champion Justin Rose leads by two shots going into the weekend at the Turkish Airlines Open.

The Englishman could return to world number one this week and moved to 12 under par with a round of 65 at the Regnum Carya Golf and Spa Resort. 

He is two shots ahead of 2016 champion Thorbjørn Olesen and Englishmen Tom Lewis and Danny Willett.

On the way to last year’s victory, Rose shot 64 and 65 over the weekend but after two rounds this time he is already in control, with just one bogey in 36 holes, as he looks to defend a title for the first time in his career.

Rose said: “Obviously clearly the odds are more in your favour when you're not having to play catch up and go ahead of the field. It doesn't make it any easier for sure but like I said, I'm on pace and playing well. 

“This is the kind of golf course you have to keep moving forward. Even par is not going to cut it out here. That's the intention every day is to come out and play well.”

Lewis, a two-time winner this year, shot the lowest round of the day – and the week so far - with a 63, while Olesen dropped his first shot of the week on the last for a 67.

The Dane said: I know I've performed well in the past here. I'll try to draw from that and hopefully I can keep playing well. If I can keep from making bogeys or worse, I think I'll have a pretty about chance.”

Tommy Fleetwood is four back at eight under par after a second round of 66.

Sweden’s Joakim Lagergren had an Albatross on the par-five 12th, holing his second shot from 218 meters with a five wood. 

©Michael Denker-Turkish Airlines