Marc Warren and Stephen Gallacher kept their cool in the sauna-like conditions to be well in contention heading to the weekend rounds of the Maybank Championship in Malaysia.

Warren produced his lowest score this year adding a 66 to his opening 68 to be sharing third place on 10-under par and just one off the lead on the Saujana coure.

He said:  “It was good,” said Warren of his effort. “I’m really pleased overall. On this golf course if you only have one bogey (in two days) your game is going to be pretty solid and I feel every aspect is pretty good, so looking forward to the weekend.”

Marc Warren on route to a second round 66 at 2018 Maybank C’ship. (Photo – European Touir/Getty)

Gallacher was soaring right from the outset in eagling his opening hole on route to a 65 to be among seven players at nine-under par.

He said:  “I’m delighted with the way I played.

“To eagle the first was a great start to my round and I took chance from a bunker by hitting a 4-iron, knocking it to around 20 feet and holed the putt. That set the tone for the day.

“I played lovely, holing a few putts when I needed to, and I’m delighted to get up there and give msyelf a chance over the weekend.”

Both Warren and Gallacheer are seeking a first win since 2014.

Scott Jamieson added a 69 to his first day 68 to be at seven-under par

And 47-year old Thai-base Scot Simon Yates turned back the clock grabbing six birdies in a six-under par 66 for a six-under par total and one fewer than Richie Ramsay (68).

It meant all six Scots making the cut in the co-sanctioned event.

Lee Westwood, winner of the 1997 Malaysian Open, produced the lowest score of the day in posting a sizzling 62 to be tied with Warren.

The duo of Italy’s Nino Bertasio and Phachara Khongwatmai, and each with 65s, share the lead on 11-under par.