Donaldson makes 11 birdies for 61 at China Open

CHENGDU, China (AP) — Jamie Donaldson made 11 birdies for a second-round 61 Friday at the China Open, soaring to the top of the leaderboard.

Donaldson is one stroke ahead of seven players tied at 12 under at the Luxehills International Country Club in Chengdu, the capital of China’s Sichuan province.

The Welshman’s scintillating performance lifted him 57 places after a 2-under 70 in the first round.

Sergio Garcia of Spain was two shots back — alongside four others — after a round of 67.

Chinese star Liang Wen-chong followed his 68 with a 66 on Friday and is three shots behind the leader.

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington (73) and defending champion Y.E. Yang (75) missed the cut.

Despite opening the round with an eagle, Yang had five bogeys and a double bogey at the 18th.