Crail, Scotland … Dutchman Joost Luiten had just 25 putts to put himself in contention with a 66 on the second day of the weather-affected Shenzhen International in China.

Luiten had been the leading putter last week in Spain was eight under for his round after 13 holes and held a share of the lead at Genzon Golf Club but two late bogeys stalled his momentum on a stop-start day just across the border from Hong Kong.

Weather delays meant five hours and 55 minutes were lost over two separate stoppages on Friday, with Luiten making an early eagle on the 11th and then birdies on the 15th,16th,17th, 18th and second after the first delay.

Another birdie came on the fourth after the second stoppage but bogeys on the fifth and eighth dropped the 30 year old three shots behind leader Soomin Lee.

Despite the disjointed day in China, Luiten refused to use that as an excuse and was philosophical after a round which eventually took almost 11 hours.

Dutchman Joost Luiten putting himself into contention for a second week running. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

“I’m happy, but felt like I left a couple of shots out there after the last break,” he said. “I missed three short putts on my last five holes, and so you come off the course with a little bit of an annoyed feeling.

“But all in all, it’s been a really good day for me. I hit the ball nicely, especially the first 11, 12 holes, and I’m also rolling the ball nicely on the greens, making some putts. So six under is just a very good score on this golf course I guess.

“After the first break, I came back and I was on the birdie train straight away, so that was good.

“After the second one, I had a bit more trouble getting into the round. Sometimes you just get into it straight away and sometimes you struggle a little bit.

Brandon Stone was a further three shots back on seven under after 17 pars and an eagle in a second round of 70.

The South African is in the hunt for a second title of the season after his victory in the BMW SA Open hosted by City of Ekurhuleni, and admitted to some frustration on the greens.

“I’m quite disappointed with 70,” he said. “I played good golf. I had 32 putts today for two under par, so it shows you that the putter was a little bit cold. I hit it great so hopefully I’m just saving the putts for the weekend.

“I’m third at the moment, which is always a good sign and gives me an opportunity to compete this weekend.

“In saying that, the 13 under par really didn’t seem that far away, it really didn’t. I really played great golf the last two days and the putter, when I say it’s been ice cold, it’s been ice cold. Got to heat it up tomorrow. Maybe leave it under the heater this evening in the hotel room and see if it can come out better tomorrow.”