Patrick Reed continued his strong run at the International Series Macau, carding a second-round six-under-par 64 to take a one-shot lead at 13-under. The American held off a charge from Mexico’s Carlos Ortiz, who fired a record-matching 61 to climb into second place.

Reed, the overnight leader, showcased his class once again at the Macau Golf & Country Club, posting seven birdies and a single bogey to stay ahead of the field in the Asian Tour’s elite tournament series.

Reed’s Strong Form and Open Championship Hopes

Having finished fourth at this event last year, Reed is determined to finish the job this time.

“The biggest motivation is getting in contention on Sundays,” said Reed, who won the Link Hong Kong Open last November. “I feel like my game has been solid this year. I’ve been hitting the ball well, but the results just haven’t reflected it. Hopefully, I keep this up through the weekend.”

With three Open Championship spots available via the Open Qualifying Series, Reed is aiming for more than just the Macau title.

“It’s great to get the scores going, but the goal is to secure an Open spot and lift the trophy,” he added.

Ortiz Fires 61 to Close in on the Lead

Ortiz delivered one of the rounds of the tournament, carding 10 birdies with just one bogey to match the course record of 61.

“It’s always a good day when you make a lot of birdies,” said Ortiz, who won the International Series Oman last year. “I drove the ball well, put myself in good spots, and took advantage of a solid day.”

He finished with a stunning four straight birdies from the 10th hole, putting himself in prime position heading into the weekend.

Tight Battle Among the Contenders

Trailing Reed and Ortiz are Australia’s Lucas Herbert and Travis Smyth, both two shots behind after matching 65s.

Herbert, who missed last year’s playoff by just two shots, is eager to make a title push.

“It was a solid round, but I feel like there were more shots out there,” said Herbert. “I’ll probably have to go low again this weekend to catch Patrick.”

Meanwhile, Spain’s Sergio Garcia (66), Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent (65), and the Philippines’ Miguel Tabuena (67) are another shot back, setting up a competitive final two rounds.

Local Stars and Notable Performances

Macau’s Kelvin Si is enjoying a breakthrough performance, sitting tied for 11th at seven-under after a 67.

“It’s my home course, so I have a big advantage,” said Si. “I feel much more comfortable than last year, and I’m excited for the weekend.”

Meanwhile, defending champion John Catlin, who shot a course-record 59 last year under preferred lies, bounced back from an opening 72 with a 66 to make the cut at two-under.

With three Open Championship spots at stake and the tournament heating up, the weekend rounds promise plenty of drama at Macau Golf & Country Club.

Can Patrick Reed maintain his lead, or will Ortiz, Herbert, and Garcia mount a charge? The battle for the International Series Macau title—and a potential Open berth—continues.