McDowell two behind in Malaysia

Graeme McDowell is well in contention in Malaysia

Graeme McDowell is just two shots off the lead at the halfway point in the Malaysian Open in Kuala Lumpur.

The Northern Ireland man had three birdies in his first five holes but parred the next 12 holes before picking up a fourth birdie on the last.

Darren Clarke also had a second-day 68 and is three behind McDowell but Rory McIlroy has missed the cut after a 76 left him on seven over.

Nick Dougherty and Danny Chia share the lead on 12 under par.

"I stayed patient and played great yesterday but this morning, I do not know if the pins are a bit tucked away but it was a little frustrating to birdie three of the first five and then play the next 12 with the handbrakes on," said McDowell.

"It was nice to birdie the last though, so four under is not bad but I would have like to have picked up a few more."

Ireland's Gary Murphy is on seven under after a 67 while Paul McGinley failed to make the cut after carding a 73 for level par.

Play was suspended for over two hours because of a lightning storm and Peter Lawrie will finish his second round on Saturday on eight under after 16 holes.