Graeme McDowell credited a new fitness regime for his solid performance at the Maybank Malaysian Open after climbing into the top five after the second day.

The 28-year-old from Co Antrim overcame balmy conditions at the Kota Permai Golf and Country Club near Kuala Lumpur to shoot a bogey-free 68, reaching the halfway mark at 10 under, just two strokes behind clubhouse leaders Nick Dougherty and Malaysia's Danny Chia but with 49 players still to complete their rounds because of a weather delay.

McDowell birdied three of his first five holes and parred the next 12 before completing his round with a fourth birdie at the 18th.

"It is hot out here but I was prepared for the heat," said the former Walker Cup player, who enjoyed five top-10 finishes on the European Tour last year. "I shed a stone the last three or four months before coming here so I am feeling good.

"That is one of my targets for this year, to slim down before I hit the 30 barrier next year. I am feeling great. It helps on weeks like this but it helps through the season more than anything.

"It helps my concentration and keeps my physical condition good throughout the year. There is a lot of travelling this year and you want to stay in peak condition, ready for the return to Europe and the meat and bones of the season."

McDowell admits playing conditions in Malaysia could have turned out a lot tougher than they have so far this week.

"I think we got lucky the first two days as it could have been a lot warmer," he said "It was hotter earlier in the week and a little cooler now but it is still tough to keep your concentration. You've got to try and pace yourself and not hit too many balls after the round or do too much gym work."

Darren Clarke (68), Gary Murphy (67), Graeme Storm (68) and Oliver Wilson (71) and Peter Lawrie are also handily placed on seven under.

Paul McGinley and Damien McGrane were level par and set to miss the cut. Rory McIlroy won't be around for the weekend as the 18-year-old was five-over.

Dougherty had two reasons to smile after sinking a four-foot birdie at the final hole to regain a share of the lead.

"It's nice to finish as I really didn't want to come back first thing tomorrow morning just to play one hole and then sit around all day waiting for my tee time," said the Liverpudlian, who held the first round lead after a spectacular 62.

"I'm very pleased we managed to get that last hole in as we didn't think we would and I'm even more pleased to have birdied it."