Four tied at the halfway point in Sanya

Gilchrest, who started the day with a one-stroke lead, was 6-under for the day and leading the pack by two going into the final two holes but had a disappointing finish, closing with back-to-back bogeys.

Perras, the grandson of former PGA Tour player Fred Marti, graduated from the University of Houston in 2018 and is now playing on a PGA Tour-affiliated Tour for the first time after earning his full card at the second Global Qualifying Tournament.

Despite missing the cut at last week's Chongqing Championship, the 23-year-old looked impressive Friday firing nine birdies in a bogey-free round.

"I feel really comfortable on this grass and in the windy conditions," said Perras. "I've been hitting the ball really well and keeping it on the fairay and up on the green helps out and makes it easier on yourself."