LIV Golf star Thomas Pieters continues to set the pace in the International Series England but has been joined at the top of the leaderboard by surprise-package Robert Dinwiddie.

Belgium’s Pieters, the joint-first round leader after a seven-under-par 64, returned a 69 today to share the clubhouse lead mid-way through day two on nine-under at Foxhills Club & Resort, in Surrey.

Dinwiddie, who was one of six players who made it through the 18-hole qualifier for this event, carded a 66 on Foxhills’ Longcross course.

American Caleb Surratt is one shot back after also carding a 66, with England’s Richard Bland, a stroke further behind, following a 69.

Said Pieters: “Played similar to yesterday, just didn’t make enough putts. I struggled on the greens. I am still pretty happy. I thought it was pretty tough this morning. I am in a good position.”

Robert Dinwiddie. Picture By Ian Walton/Asian Tour.

Pieters most recent victory came at the 2022 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship while he came close to a seventh DP World Tour victory earlier this season when he tied for second at the Soudal Open.

“I am playing aggressively, hitting a lot of drivers,” added the 32-year-old, who plays for RangeGoats GC on the LIV Golf League.

“I am kind of like chipping them down the fairway with my driver. Hopefully I can keep doing the same.  I didn’t play golf last week; I took the week off. Sometimes it is good to refresh the mind; swing thoughts are gone. Just kind of get up there and hit it.

“I am working on a few swing things and as always working on my putting, which has been the main problem.”

He carded four birdies and two bogeys.

Englishman Dinwiddie leading the tournament is even more impressive considering he was one of three players who made it through an eight-man play-off in the qualifier.

The spirit he showed that day was evident once more today as he made seven birdies and two bogeys.

“Well, look, I’m really happy to be nine under and tied for the lead, that’s for sure,” said 41-year-old Dinwiddie.

“Putted amazingly well yesterday, didn’t hit the ball great. I hit the ball a bit better today and continued to putt pretty well from 10-15 feet. But you know, still, I haven’t really hit the ball that well, amazingly, the last couple of days.

Caleb Surratt. Picture by Paul Lakatos/Asian Tour.

“But maybe I haven’t got myself in crazy trouble, and then I have putted reasonably well which has kind of made up for it. So, I’m really happy. I’m hopeful that I can maybe hit the ball a little bit better over the next couple of days and see what happens.”

The Englishman turned professional in 2006 and is a three-time winner on the Challenge Tour, twice in 2007 and once in 2010.

He added: “What have I been up to? I’ve still been playing; I’ve still been working on my game. Not as much this year. I’ve been studying golf course design, I’ve been teaching a lot, that’s kept me pretty busy. I’ve done a little bit of work for radio and TV, work which I’ve really enjoyed.”

South African Branden Grace fired a 65 and is three behind the leaders.

India’s Jeev Milkha Singh, the oldest player in the field at 53, rolled back the years by carding a 68 and an additional shot back.