Flying Finn Mikko Ilonen equalled the course record with a sizzling nine under par 63 to take a three shot into the final two rounds of the Volvo China Open at Tianjin.

Illonen birdied four of his closing five holes in a 12-under par tally to move clear of Australia’s Brett Rumford and Thailand’s Kiradeck Aphibarnrat who each recorded 67s to be tied in second place on nine under par.

Illonen’s score matched the Binhai Golf Course record set last year by Sweden’s Alexander Noren, and is an equal low for Illonen who shot back-to-back 63s on route to finishing second in the 2009 Madrid Masters.

Flying Finn Mikko Ilonen equals course record with a sizzling 63 on day two of Volvo Chna Open. (Photo – Richard Castka/Volvo Golf)

The 33-year old Finn, and former British Amateur champion, is now right on target to succeed on the European Tour for a third time in his career since winning twice in 2007.

“My ball-striking was a bit better than yesterday and I gave myself a lot more chances,” he said.

“It’s definitely a good number of birdies especially on the later nine as I felt really good with the putter.   My score  is as good as it gets but then my ball-striking has been better in other tournaments this year.

“It was a very comfortable round and I didn’t put myself into trouble, at all. So there was no stress and it made life a bitter.  It’s also better to be three shots ahead than one.”

Rumford edged closer to becoming only the third Australian to win back-to-back in the 41-year history of the European Tour.

The Perth-born player birdied his closing four holes and less than a week after capturing the Ballantine’s Championship in South Korea.

“This is a new week and another tournament,” said Rumford.

“I feel good, my fitness is good and my energy levels feel nice and high, so hopefully I can ride the wave over the weekend and keep the good feelings going.

“It’s a nice feeling when you’re holing putts and seeing your name up near the top of the leaderboard.  You’ve got to make the most of these moments when they come along, and I’m managing to do that at the minute.”

And continuing to help steer Rumford to a second straight success is supercaddy John ‘Ronnie’ Roberts.

Ronnie, and one of the favourites here at www.golfbytourmiss.com today celebrated his 67th birthday.

And while Rumford presented ‘Ronnie’ with a bottle of 17-year old Ballantine’s, nothing would please the Bournemouth bagman better than to bag another Tour victory.