Birthday boy Els celebrates with sizzling 65 in Hong Kong

Former world number one Ernie Els celebrated his 45th birthday by shooting a five-under-par 65 to take the lead in the Hong Kong Open at the halfway stage.

The veteran South African led by two, on nine under, from Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin and Australian duo Scott Hend and Cameron Smith after the second round in Fanling.

Four-time Major winner Els sank six birdies, four of which came in the space of five holes, with a bogey on the fourth being the only blemish on his card.