Thomas unsatisfied despite lead in Malaysia

Justin Thomas was ho-hum over a bogey-free 66 on Friday, but that was hardly surprising for a defending champion who continued his mastery of the CIMB Classic to stay on top after 36 holes.

The 23-year-old American used pinpoint wedge shots to once again take advantage of ideal scoring conditions in sultry Malaysia with a six-under-par round, going to 14-under overall and two shots ahead of India’s Anirban Lahiri.

“It was a solid day. It was nothing special for sure. First seven holes, I didn’t feel like I played very well,” said Thomas, who shot a 64 on Thursday.

“I’m not crazily satisfied. I’m obviously happy with the round, and I probably would have taken it before the day started but I definitely left some shots out there.”

It didn’t show, however, on his six-birdie, nobogey card, which kept him just off the recordsetting pace he rode to victory last year.

Thomas won in 2015 by going 26-under-par for the event to earn his maiden PGA Tour title. It was the best showing yet in the tournament, which debuted in 2010.

Lahiri nearly ended the day level with Thomas, however, but the 2015 Asian Tour Order of Merit champion faltered at the finish with a double-bogey seven on the par-five 18th hole.

Scotland’s Russell Knox, James Hahn of the US, and Hideki Matsuyama of Japan were another shot behind Lahiri at 11-under at the par-72 TPC Kuala Lumpur.

Adam Scott, the highest-ranked golfer in the field at world No.6, saw his title challenge all but dissipate, managing only a three-under-par 69, nine strokes off the pace. Scott had finished just a shot behind Thomas last year.

The $7 million tournament is jointly sanctioned by the Asian Tour and the PGA Tour and offers $1.26 million to the winner.

It is the second event of the PGA Tour’s 2017 schedule, and offers 500 points toward the FedEX Cup championship, as well as an invite to the winners-only 2017 Tournament of Champions.