Darren Clarke stormed into contention on the second morning of the UBS Hong Kong Open with a flawless six-under-par front nine.

Clarke began his second round with a hat-trick of birdies in chilly conditions before reaching the turn in identical fashion to move within a shot of overnight leader Udorn Duangdecha alongside Robert-Jan Derksen at seven-under-par.

Unheralded Thai Duangdecha claimed the first round lead with an eight-under-par 62 yesterday.

The 39-year-old, who is enjoying his best season on the Asian Tour, started his second round with a bogey but returned to level par with a fourth hole birdie with Derksen set to resume his challenge in the afternoon.

Indian Masters champion SSP Chowrasia improved to six-under-par with a gain over his opening 12 holes, while an eagle and two birdies from Kiradech Aphibarnrat moved the Thai into the group two shots off the pace as he and Udorn outshone better known compatriot Thongchai Jaidee.

Graeme McDowell reached the turn in two under to improve to five under alongside Malaysian Open champion Anthony Kang, four under through 11, PGA Championship winner YE Yang and Asian Tour Order of Merit leader Thongchai.