Sharma leads Kenya Open with SA's Lawrence lurking

Indian golfer Shubhankar Sharma grapped a one-short lead at the Magical Kenya Open, crediting his aptitude in the altitude as he carded a four-under 67 on Friday.

Sharma has two DP World Tour titles to his name and is eying his third as he takes the halfway lead on 10-under.

The 25-year-old has already shown flashes of that winning form this year, finishing tied runner-up at the Abu Dhabi Championship in January, and four birdies and an eagle moved him to the front heading into the weekend at Muthaiga Golf Club.

"I'm really happy, whenever you finish with two birdies you're always happy. It was a good round for me today, it was quite a slow start for me starting on the back nine, not much was happening for me, but that eagle on the 18th really propelled me," said Sharma.

"It does fly a long way, personally I've done well whenever I play at altitude, I'm good at controlling my irons, so I did not do too much trackman work this week.

"I'm very comfortable out there. It's not easy to get your numbers dialled in but like I said, I've done a good job. My first win came in Joburg which was also at altitude so I have good memories from playing at places where the golf course is at a height and that is definitely helping.

"I'm very pleased with what I've done over the past few days."

Japan's Masahiro Kawamura and Ewen Ferguson of Scotland are both a shot further back on nine under after rounds of 66 and 67 respectively.

Meanwhile, South Africa's Thriston Lawrence, who won the season-opening Joburg Open, sits in fourth place on seven-under par.

Leading second-round scores from the DP World Tour's Kenya Open at Muthaiga Golf Club in Nairobi on Friday (GBR & IRL unless stated; par 71):

132 - Shubhankar Sharma (IND) 65-67

133 - Masahiro