Asian Open: Simon Dyson revealed spending the past two days in the company of Ernie Els has been worth all the golf lessons in the world as the 29-year-old lines up a weekend assault on the BMW Asian Open at Tomson Shanghai Pudong GC.

A second consecutive 70 saw him finish the day well placed in a tie for eighth at four under par going into the third round, although he still trails leader Raphael Jacquelin by five strokes after the Frenchman carded a 69 to lead the way on nine under par.

However, he is two shots better off than his illustrious playing partner, who shot another 71 to just about stay in touch at the halfway mark.

Damien McGrane had an eventful day as the Irishman sank five birdies but dropped six shots, including a double bogey six at the fourth, to drop to one under par after carding a 73. Graeme McDowell is also on one under while Gary Murphy and Peter Lawrie sit on one over and two over respectively.

Dyson would be forgiven for feeling slightly smug that he had outplayed one of the game's leading players over the opening 36 holes of the 7,326-yard, par-72 course in Shanghai, but instead paid tribute to the 37-year-old's lasting influence.

He said: "It doesn't get much better than playing with Ernie Els and it certainly helped me. He's a pleasure to play with. He's one of the best players in the world and you can see why. He makes it look so easy. My game would improve if I played with him week-in, week-out. You would learn so much."

Dyson will partner Colin Montgomerie on Saturday after the Scot followed up his opening round of 69 with a 70 today to lie five under, mainly thanks to an eagle at the 15th.

Scoring proved easier for the afternoon players as the wind lessened and Mongomerie is hoping conditions will remain advantageous.

"I need a low one tomorrow," the 43-year-old said. "I'm playing okay. The greens were quite tricky this afternoon and it was quite difficult to get the ball to the hole.

"The wind dropped off a bit though. We got the best of the draw and used that and hopefully the weather will stay the same."

Paul Casey saw his chances of victory recede considerably after Jacquelin tightened his hold on the top of the leaderboard as he could only manage a round of 71 to sit on one under par.

However the 29-year-old, hindered by the fact one of his suitcases still has not arrived after he flew in from America, spurned a number of opportunities on the greens to improve his lot, which added to his frustration.

"I hate to say it but I need to be more patient," Casey said. "I need to hole some putts but I don't think I can change anything else. I don't want to get any more aggressive towards the flags because I hit some very close golf shots."