DAVID Howell had an uneventful second round in Shanghai in the penultimate European Tour tournament of the season.

Following his three-under-par 69 on Thursday, the Swindon ace dropped two places down the leaderboard at the BMW Masters to tied 20th, despite a one-under 71.

Starting on the first tee, the Broome Manor pro parred the opening eight holes before picking up a birdie three on the ninth.

Heading for home, the two-time Ryder Cup winner did not drop a shot as he failed to add to his opening nine score.

The 40-year-old, who is targeting a place inside the top 20 in the Race to Dubai, will begin his third round at the Lake Malaren Golf Club at 1.50am (GMT) tomorrow.