EDDIE Pepperell shot a superb five-under-par 67 to climb the leaderboard in the second round of the British Masters today.

The Abingdon golfer did not drop a shot at the Betfred-sponsored tournament at Hillside, in Southport, as he closed in on the top ten.

Pepperell, who is the defending champion, made up ground thanks to birdies at the second, third, 11th, 12th and 18th holes.

The Frilford Heath member headed into the second round off the back of a two-under-par 70 yesterday.

He first had to contend with his tee time being pushed back after play was delayed for more than hour due to the threat of lightning.

That did not affect the World No 37, who started his round strongly with birdies at the second and third holes.

Seven successive pars followed, before he boosted his round further when picking up shots at the 11th and 12th.

He then continued his strong display with a birdie at the final hole to move to seven under par for the tournament.