Elvira started his second round with a blizzard of birdies – five in a row from the 3rd hole to be six-under through seven holes. He bogeyed once – on the 11th – but immediately birdied the next with a five-foot putt.

"That was what I call a quick start," Elvira said.

He was at nine-under after MacIntyre followed his opening 64 with a 68 to sit at eight-under-par.

Ross Fisher was two shots off the pace thanks to a 67.

In fourth at six-under were Marc Warren, the 2014 champion, and fellow Scot Richie Ramsay, who both recorded second round 64s.

David Micheluzzi (69) is the only Australian headed into the weekend at even-par though 36-holes, with Jason Scrivener (+3) and Blake Windred (+9) both falling outside the one-over-par cutline.