KUALA LUMPUR: Sweden's Maja Stark fired a second consecutive 66 to secure a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the rain-affected Maybank Championship at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club (KLGCC) on Friday.
Starting the day tied for fifth, Stark surged forward with three early birdies on the first, third, and fifth holes, though she dropped a shot on the eighth.
However, she quickly recovered with four consecutive birdies starting from the 10th hole, reaching 12-under overall to claim the top spot.
Stark leads by one shot over American Marina Alex, South Korean duo An Na Rin (67) and Ryu Hae Ran (69), and Taiwan's Hsu Wei Ling (68).
The Swedish golfer is aiming for her first title since her breakthrough win at the 2022 ISPS Handa World Invitational.
This year, she has come close, finishing runner-up at both the Chevron Championship and the LA Championship. With 36 holes remaining, Stark is keeping a calm outlook.
"I do look at the leaderboards, but it's been so long since I was in this position that I don't really remember what it feels like," said Stark.
"I'm just going to try not to panic if others overtake me and stay composed."
Alex delivered a flawless round, highlighted by an eagle on the 17th and six birdies.
Her 64 was the day's lowest score, boosting her 24 places on the leaderboard.
She credited improved putting for her standout performance.
"Today, it just clicked," Alex said.
"My ball striking felt better, and the putts were going in. I putted well yesterday but was just a bit off the mark, and today they all just happened to fall in.
I hope it continues over the next couple of days."
Alex believes a 20-under score may be needed to secure victory on Sunday and intends to play aggressively.
"I think a score close to 20 will be the winning mark," she said.
"It'll require aggressive play over the next two rounds, as there are many players here who hit longer than I do and can take advantage of that. I just need to stay with my game plan and be as aggressive as I'm comfortable with."
First-round leader Mao Saigo had a difficult day, carding a 74 to fall to joint 13th place.
The second round was interrupted for two hours due to inclement weather, with play halted at 2:10pm.
Leading second round scores:
132 - Maja Stark (Swe) 66-66;
133 - Marina Alex (US) 69-64, An Na Rin (Kor) 66-67, Hsu Wei Ling (Tai) 65-68, Ryu Hae Ran (Kor) 64-69;
134 - Choi Hye Jin (Kor) 68-66, Yin Ruo Ning (Chn) 67-67.
Selected Malaysians:
141 - Ashley Lau 73-68;
142 - Mirabel Ting 67-75;
157 - Nur Durriyah Damian 78-79
161 - Liyana Durisic 79-82