Russell Knox shot a 63 - his best round since 2014 - to move into a tie for third at the halfway stage of the CIMB Classic in Kuala Lumpur.

Knox made nine birdies in a purposeful round to move to 11 under par alongside American James Hahn and Hideki Matsuyama of Japan, who both shot 64.

American Justin Thomas leads the way on 14 under after a 66, two shots ahead of India's Anirban Lahiri (66).

England's Paul Casey shot a level-par 72 and is seven off the pace.

Knox made four consecutive birdies from the 14th and ensured a bogey-free round after recovering from a wayward tee shot at the last.

"I thought I could shoot maybe five or six under and that would be a great score," said Knox. "But then I just started making putt after putt and got on a nice little roll."

Whatever the final result this weekend, Knox already looks in fine form as he heads to Shanghai next week to defend his title at the WGC-HSBC Champions.