Donaldson, who secured the winning point for Europe at Gleneagles in 2014, hit 62 on the first day and leads the pack after the cut by one.

China's Haotong Li shot a second round of 66 to finish in second place on -12.

"I have backed up low scores like that with another one but today it wasn't to be," Donaldson said. "Quite happy with a 69.

"Played nicely. Drove the ball well, iron play was good, took my chances when I was close enough to do so. Hit a lot of really good putts that didn't go in where yesterday they all went in.

"It can always be better, can't it? Wanted to try to go flag hunting a little bit, which maybe I shouldn't have done, but happy with how I played."

But Rory McIlroy could still ruffle the feathers at the top when he completes his second round on Saturday.

McIlroy and Sweden’s Alexander Bjork were halted early on the back nine due to darkness.

Northern Irishman McIlroy was on -10 at the close of the day and still has seven holes to play before starting his third round.

The second round is scheduled to resume at 7.30am local time on Saturday.