Bubba Watson joined Thailand’s Pavit Tangkamolprasert at the top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the US$2 million International Series Morocco presented by Visit Morocco after a standout performance at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.

Watson, the two-time Masters champion and captain of the RangeGoats GC in LIV Golf, produced a seven-under-par 66, the lowest round of the day, to reach 11-under 135 and pull level with Pavit at the summit. The American showcased elite ball-striking, hitting 15 of 18 fairways and recording eight birdies against a single bogey.

Pavit responded with a steady three-under 70 to maintain his share of the lead, recovering strongly after a difficult start to keep himself firmly in contention heading into the weekend.

Watson fires vintage round

Watson delivered one of his best recent rounds, combining precise driving with sharp putting as he navigated the demanding Red Course. His ability to control shot shape and avoid trouble proved decisive on a layout known for punishing mistakes.

He credited his caddie’s reads and his own putting rhythm for the strong finish, noting that staying in the right positions on the greens was crucial to scoring well at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.

Watson’s performance signals a return to form after a long search for consistency, with his short game playing a key role in his surge up the leaderboard.

Tight race for title

Pavit stayed composed despite early setbacks, including two bogeys in his opening eight holes. A key birdie on the ninth helped shift momentum before a strong closing stretch kept him tied at the top.

Behind the leaders, Korea’s Younghan Song sits one shot back at 10-under, while a group including Travis Smyth, Scott Vincent and Taichi Kho remain within striking distance at nine-under.

With multiple contenders clustered near the top, the International Series Morocco is shaping into a tightly contested battle heading into the weekend rounds at one of the Asian Tour’s premier events.