"I like the cold better than the hot and humid weather as I tend to perspire a lot," said Prom, who is seeking his first European Tour victory and second on the Asian Tour. TaylorMade R9 Max Irons Individual Irons

Pro also suggested that regular visits to his local gym might also have something to do with this super hot form of Friday.

"I've been working very hard in the off season by going to the gym. People said that I've lost weight but I don't think so. I still weight the same and I think I've bulked up a lot because of my muscles. I'm getting stronger and more consistent," he explained.

Whiteford, meanwhile, found the cold hard to get used to at the start of his round, but said that an eagle-three on the sixth hole had sparked a new resolve, given him back his self-confidence and enabled him to retain pole position in an event being tri-sanctioned by the European, the Asian and PGTI Tours.

"It was freezing cold this morning and in those conditions I find golf a lot harder. But onceTaylorMade R9 Max Irons Individual Irons
warmed up I started to play a bit better and gave myself a few chances," said Whiteford.

"I had a good eagle on the sixth which kick-started me a bit and helped me finish better although I must admit I was disappointed not to finish with a birdie, the Scot added.

Thongchai Jaidee, the most respected Thai in the field, battled some for his 70 to remain in contention in a 4th-place tie with, among others, Welshman Jamie Donaldson, Dane Soren Hansen and Frenchman Gregory Havret, as he mixed five birdies with two bogeys to stay in touch with the leaders.

"I didn't play as well as I did yesterday," the 13-time Asian Tour winner said afterwards, "but overall it has been a good day considering the morning conditions that we had to play in.

"It was freezing. I only managed to warm up by the seventh hole and that's when I got into my rhythm. I had five birdies and three bogeys which was not too bad.