Friendly advice inspires McDowell

The 28-year-old from Portrush played the opening two rounds alongside the 37-year-old Dane, who has represented Europe in two Ryder Cups, and reaped the benefits of some additional tuition.

"We've been helping each other out a little bit in and around the greens this week," said McDowell. "We've been practising a little bit together and he gave me a little bit of a bunker-play lesson yesterday (Thursday) and gave me a couple of tips on my putting on Tuesday on a slight adjustment on my set up."

McDowell is clearly taking heed of the advice, following up an opening round of 68 with the lowest score of the tournament at Pinx Golf Club on Jeju Island, South Korea.

Four birdies in the first six holes led to a four-under 32 at the turn before an eagle on the par-five 10th, a three on the par-four 12th and a birdie at the last.

Bjorn also made a blistering start, carding seven threes in a row in a front nine of 30 before the run was halted with a bogey five on the eighth.

Three further birdies and two bogeys followed as Bjorn moved to eight under par alongside American Anthony Kim and Irishman Padraig Harrington, who was in the last group to finish as darkness descended at 7pm local time.

Open champion Harrington, who maintained he is lacking sharpness after just five tournaments this year, was relieved to complete his second round and avoid waking up at 4.45am.

"It made a big difference to get those last couple of holes played," he said. "It was nice to get teed off on 18 and know you were definitely getting finished.

"On the 18th green when we were putting, I think we were all putting somewhat from memory. Eight under par, 36 holes to go - I'm well in there."