SHANGHAI: American Kevin Kisner continued his birdie barrage to take a two-shot halfway lead at the WGC-HSBC Champions, where stronger winds in China on Friday contributed to a frustrating day for Jordan Spieth and Rory McIlroy.

While Kisner fired a bogey-free six-under 66 for a 14-under total, world No 2 Spieth mustered a level-par 72 to sit on four-under alongside World No 3 McIlroy, who mixed four bogeys with four birdies in his round of 72.

Kisner was two clear of Scotland's Russell Knox, who managed a best-of-the day 65.

First-round leader Branden Grace of South Africa was third after a 71.