Matthias Schwab leads at the halfway point of the Turkish Airlines Open after a round of 67 took him to -12 at the Montgomerie Maxx Royal.

The Austrian, 24, is a shot clear of Alex Noren, Danny Willett, Ross Fisher and Thomas Detry ahead of what is sure to be a thrilling weekend in Antalya.

Schwab started with an eagle and had four birdies on the back nine, including 18, in another impressive performance.

The youngster accepts he will have to continue to play positively in what is likely to be a low-scoring weekend.

He said: “I think I'll have to play aggressive golf and keep the foot on the gas pedal, and pars will definitely not be enough this weekend.

“I’ll try to do the same routines and there’s a long way to go still.”

Englishman Willett had a second successive round of 66 to remain firmly in contention, while two-time defending champion Justin Rose is two back at -10, along with David Lipsky, Justin Harding and Robert McIntyre.

Rose said: “Last year I wasn't in particularly great shape after two days and really got it going on the weekend and played a good Saturday and had to go low on Sunday as well to win.

“It's going to be much more the same this week. To win this tournament, you're probably going to have to shoot a couple 65s on the weekend. 22-ish is what I thought might win this tournament. Might be north of that.”

American Patrick Reed shot 65 and is among a group of 10 players at eight under par, four off the lead, along with Francesco Molinari and Open champion Shane Lowry is a shot further back at seven under.

Spaniard Pablo Larrazabal had a hole in one on the 219-yard fifth hole with a four iron.