Oliver Wilson leads in sweltering heat - Johnnie Walker Classic 2007

Oliver Wilson took advantage of lacklustre showings by some of the tournament's big names on Friday to take a one stroke lead on the second day of a sweltering Johnnie Walker Classic.

While others succumbed to the tricky course or the unrelenting Phuket heat, the Englishman kept his cool to shoot a six-under 66 to go 10 under par for the tournament, landing two eagles in a near-flawless round.

Wilson, 27, told a news conference: "I've been working on a few mental things, trying to stay relaxed and enjoy it all. If I can keep that up, who knows what will happen.

"It's so hot out there, but I don't really care about it. I'm not intimidated by good players. I don't want to be thinking about them or other things. The cream will always rise to the top. They will be chasing me."

South African youngster Anton Haig carded an impressive 64 to equal the course record at the Blue Canyon Country Club for second place, making seven birdies and an eagle.

"Compared to yesterday, I really hit a lot better," the 20-year-old said. "I'm feeling comfortable. I've got a big field chasing me, so it's not over until the fat lady sings."

Former champion Retief Goosen of South Africa matched his first day score of 68 to tie for third with Australian James Nitties (67), two shots off the pace.

Colin Montgomerie finished on 70 to go five under par for the tournament to share 11th place with Indian Jeev Milkha Singh (72).

The Scot was not taking any chances with the tropical Thai heat. "I drank eight bottles of water out there -- that's four litres. I haven't been to the loo (toilet) yet and there's no sign of me needing to," he said.

Day one leader Brad Kennedy of Australia suffered with three bogeys and a double bogey to card an unhappy 77 -- 12 shots more than on the opening day.

The 1996 Johnnie Walker Classic winner Ian Woosnam made an early exit after carding a miserable 10-over 82.

The Welshman fired four consecutive bogeys after the first hole, including an embarrassing quadruple bogey on the par-four third.

Former winners and world numbers four and six, Adam Scott and Ernie Els, were nine shots off the lead, both improving slightly from the opening day to card 69 and 70 respectively.