Former champion Richie Ramsay set an imposing clubhouse target of 12 under midway through the second round of the Omega European Masters.
Ramsay led a pair of Americans with Brooks Koepka two shots adrift and David Lipsky a stroke further back after a superb 64.
Victor Dubuisson was then well placed on eight under after a round of 67 that was blemished only by double bogey on the par four 12th, the Frenchman’s third hole of the day.
Ramsay shared the overnight lead with Italy's Edoardo Molinari after both posted flawless rounds of 62 at Crans-sur-Sierre, the Scot admitting he had thought of shooting the first 59 in European Tour history after an eagle and six birdies in 15 holes.
The 31 year old from Aberdeen had to settle for pars on the final three holes but was soon back among the birdies today, picking up shots at the 15th and 16th - having started from the 10th - to be out in 32.
After another birdie on the par five first, a hole he eagled yesterday, 2012 champion Ramsay dropped his first shot of the week on the fourth to briefly see his lead reduced to a single shot.
However, the World Number 177 then birdied the fifth and drove the green on the short seventh to set up another and eventually signed for a round of 66.
“Today was a little bit tougher especially on the back nine, where some of the pins were very tricky,” Ramsay said.
“The rain made life a bit trickier and the temperature also dropped, which made distance control difficult. So it was definitely harder than yesterday, but I stayed steady and my attitude was good again, so overall it was another good day’s work.”
He added: "I’ve got a lot of experience in this tournament, and I’ve got some experience of leading at the halfway stage. So whether I’m leading going into tomorrow or just off the pace, it won’t affect me too much because I know I’m playing well."
Koepka carded eight birdies and three bogeys to shoot his second consecutive 65 while Lipsky had shot the round of the day so far with seven birdies and just one dropped shot at the third.
"This is the first tournament venue I’ve come back to since turning pro, so that’s pretty neat," Koepka said.
"I’ve got some great memories of this place from last year, so it’s great to be back here – you quickly forget about hitting a good shot when you notice the views.
"It’s the sort of course which you need to know well to play well on. It’s pretty tricky in places, but I’ve made a conscious decision to try to be as aggressive as possible without getting reckless. It seems to be working well so far."
Dubuisson recovered well from his early blip to pick up five shots before ending his round by scrambling par in signature style on the 633 yard par five.
The 24 year old shanked his second shot left next to a path behind the trees and while he had to chip short of the green, he got up and down to head to the clubhouse content.
Molinari was level with Dubuisson after an up-and-down round of 70, in which he traded four birdies and as many bogeys.
Wet conditions greeted the players this morning but the sun had begun to peak out in the Alps as the afternoon players set about beginning their second rounds.