KUALA LUMPUR • Justin Thomas was ho-hum over a bogey-free 66 yesterday, but that was hardly surprising for a defending champion who continued his mastery of the CIMB Classic to stay on top after two rounds.

The 23-year-old American used pinpoint wedge shots to once again take advantage of ideal scoring conditions in sultry Malaysia with a six-under round, going to 14-under 130 overall.

He is two shots ahead of India's Anirban Lahiri (66) at the event co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour and Asian Tour.

"It was a solid day. It was nothing special for sure. First seven holes, I didn't feel like I played very well," said Thomas, who shot a 64 on Thursday.

"I'm not crazy satisfied. I'm obviously happy with the round, and I probably would have taken it before the day started but I definitely left some shots out there."

It did not show, however, on his six-birdie card, which kept him just off the record-setting pace he rode to victory last season. He won last year by going 26-under to earn his maiden PGA Tour title. It was the best showing in the tournament since its debut in 2010.

Lahiri nearly ended the day level with Thomas. But last year's Asian Tour Order of Merit champion faltered at the finish with a double-bogey on the par-five 18th hole.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE

CIMB CLASSIC

Day 3: StarHub Ch204, 11am