Tony Finau moved into the lead in Shanghai following the second round ©Getty Images

United States' Tony Finau assumed the lead at the World Golf Championships event in China after an impressive second round in Shanghai.

The American began the day two shots shy of the lead which was held by his compatriot Patrick Reed.

A five-under-par round on the Sheshan International Golf Course saw Finau move into the overall lead.

The 29-year-old is 11-under-par for the tournament following the first two rounds.

Overnight leader Reed carded an even par round, leaving him three shots off the lead.

He is tied for second place with England's Tommy Fleetwood and Justin Rose on eight-under-par.

Olympic champion Rose produced a five-under-par round to rise up the standings, while Fleetwood was four-under for the day.

Justin Rose moved into joint second in the overall standings ©Getty Images
Justin Rose moved into joint second in the overall standings ©Getty Images

Xander Schauffele is a further shot adrift, with the American followed by his compatriot Patrick Cantlay at six-under.

All three of the 2018 major winners, 10 of the victorious European Ryder Cup team and five previous champions are competing at the final World Golf Championship tournament of the year.

The opening three World Golf Championship events of 2018 have all been won by American players.

Phil Mickelson emerged as the winner of the first tournament in Mexico, while Bubba Watson won the WGC-Dell Technologies Match Play.

Justin Thomas then triumphed at the WGC Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone.