Kevin Kisner pulls clear as Spieth, McIlroy struggle

Kevin Kisner produced a six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead at the WGC-HSBC Champions as big guns Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy struggled to make inroads in the second round.

For the second straight day at the Sheshan International Golf Club in Shanghai, Kisner came through bogey-free as he moved to 14 under.

The American, who shot a 64 in the opening round, is two shots clear of Scotland's Russell Knox (65), while overnight leader Branden Grace (71) is a further two back.

World number two Spieth climbed to four under after a birdie at the last, but three straight bogeys starting at the 11th were costly on Friday.

McIlroy had opened with a 68, but he remains at four under after a mixed round that included four birdies and as many bogeys.

The Northern Irishman was left to rue a double-bogey in the first round, but his inconsistency in the second left him in a tie for 27th.

Kisner's impressive round included six birdies, with four coming on the front nine before two on his final three holes.

American Patrick Reed (70) and 20-year-old Li Haotong (69) are tied for fourth at nine under.

Hunter Mahan (68) and Dustin Johnson (71) are well-placed at eight under heading into the weekend, alongside Austrian Bernd Wiesberger (66).

Louis Oosthuizen double-bogeyed the par-five 18th as he slipped to seven under and a share of ninth.

The South African is joined by Scott Hend (69), An Byeong-hun (68) and Englishman Matt Fitzpatrick (69).

Defending champion Bubba Watson shot a 73 to sit at three under in a tie for 37th.

Englishman Danny Willett, McIlroy's nearest challenger in the Race to Dubai, is at five under after a two-over 74.