Wiesberger posted a two-day total of seven-under 137 to take a slender shot lead over 2010 Ballantine's Championship winner Marcus Fraser of Australia who returned with a 67 at the Blackstone Golf Club.

Sweden's Oscar Floren is a further shot back in third place on 139 while Spain's Miguel Angel Jimenez is tied for fourth alongside England's Anthony Wall and Chile's Felipe Aguilar on 140.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee is among the eight players that include England's Ian Poulter who are five shots back of Wiesberger in tied-11th place.

Wiesberger, who opened with a 72 under blustery conditions in the first round, took advantage of the benign conditions in the morning to mark his card with seven birdies in a blemish-free round.

"Yesterday (Thursday) was a grinding day for everybody. It was windy day and you couldn't really tell where the wind was coming from.

"It was gusty and a tough day," said Wiesberger, who is targeting his maiden victory on Tour this week.

"I really got to the stage where it kind of worked.

"Today I couldn't really do anything wrong. I felt like everything was going in the right direction," added the Austrian.

Reigning British Open champion Darren Clarke of Northern Ireland will not be among the 73 players featuring in the weekend rounds after he missed the cut which was set at four-over.