Rasmus Højgaard opened up a six-shot lead at the halfway point of the Cazoo Open de France after the gifted Dane added a six under par 65 to his stunning opening 62 at Le Golf National to reach a record 15 under total.
The 21-year-old is aiming to become the first Danish winner in the 116-year history of Continental Europe's oldest national open, and he took another large step towards a fourth DP World Tour title with a domineering performance at the famously challenging 2018 Ryder Cup venue.
Playing alongside his campatriot and 2023 Ryder Cup Vice Captain Thomas Bjørn, Højgaard's round caught fire at the 15th with the first of three successive birdies, before picking up four shots on the back nine with just a single bogey on the fifth.
His 36-hole halfway total of 127 strokes is the tournament's lowest since becoming a Tour event in 1972 and moved him six clear of Frenchman Paul Barjon, whose three under 68 delighted the crowds late in the day as he moved into outright second spot on his debut at his national open.
South Africa's George Coetzee was a shot further back on eight under after a five under 66, while Rasmus Højgaard's playing partner Antoine Rozner boosted his own hopes of a home victory with a 66 which moved him alongside Alexander Björk on seven under.
