New South Welshman Adam Stephens leads the South Pacific Open Championship by two shots after two rounds at the Tina Golf Course.

With a second round of 7-under 65, for a two round total of 11-under the card, Stephens believes it could have been even lower.

"I played pretty conservatively, hitting lots of irons off the tees and not really attacking the par-5’s, instead accepting par out there," said Stephens.

"I had seven birdies today and was unlucky not to hole a few more putts, but I will take another 7-under tomorrow."

This will be the first time the 26-year-old will lead a PGA Tour of Australasia tournament at the halfway mark.

"Being close to the lead on the final two days changes a lot of players, I think if I can keep doing my thing then I will be up there on Saturday," added Stephens.

"I have put myself close to this situation in the past so I am feeling more comfortable."

"Playing in China, in more four round events this year has made me more comfortable playing on the weekend."

In the morning field, New Zealander Brad Shilton moved his way into contention and will start the third round two shots back of Stephens.

"I probably didn’t play as well as I did yesterday but I made more putts," said Shilton, who fired a bogey free round of 6-under 65.

Good memories have started to flood back for Shilton who won the South Pacific Open Championship in 2012.

"I have had quite a few good years here, not just the year I won," added Shilton.

"Obviously coming back to a place where you have won is always nice, for some reason I seem to play well here so hopefully that continues."

Joining Shilton on 9-under the card is first round co-leader Jason Norris who dropped three shots in his closing three holes to drop out of the lead.

Michael Wright and Daniel Valente who also held a share of the overnight lead are still in contention at outright fourth and T5 respectively.

New Zealander Jared Pender and Queenslander Matthew Guyatt join Valente at T5 on 7-under the card.

The halfway cut was made x-over the card with 51 Professionals and three amateurs making it to the final two rounds.

The third round will tee off at 7.55am with the leaders out at 11am.