Schmid goes low to share lead in Belgium, SA's Bekker in the mix

German Matti Schmid produced the lowest round of the week to sit alongside English duo Dale Whitnell and Sam Horsfield at the halfway stage of the Soudal Open on Friday.

Morning starter Schmid made eight birdies before dropping his only shot of the day at the ninth - his closing hole - in a superb 64 which moved him to eight under par at Rinkven International Golf Club.

"I holed a few nice putts, gave myself looks and holed the putts. I was happy with everything to be honest," said Schmid.

"I hit the ball well, hit a lot of nice wedges which is what you have to do out here and was able to make some putts today.

"I feel in between a little bit. I feel like I wasn’t able to cap off a lot of good things on Sunday, but I put myself in the right position and that is what I did again this week. Hopefully, this time I play a good weekend and we’ll see what comes out then.”

Horsfield, like Whitnell began the day in a three-way tie at the top of the leaderboard, as the 25-year-old Horsfield made three bogeys and a birdie on the front nine before signing in a 69.

Whitnell completed his round with a birdie at the ninth to join Schmid and Horsfield at the summit, as he also shot a second-round 69.

Meanwhile, Oliver Bekker is the best-placed South African at the halfway point as he carded a second round of two-under 69 to sit tied for sixth on six-under.

Fellow countrymen Hennie du Plessis and JC Ritchie are a shot behind at five-under as they're tied for 15th.

Lev Grinberg's dream DP World Tour debut will continue into the weekend as the Ukrainian-born amateur became the second youngest player at 14 years six months and six days to make the cut in a DP World Tour event.