The Northern Irishman shot a one-under-par 71 in cold, windy and damp conditions in Shanghai on Friday to stay ahead of a pack of seven players within four shots, including US Open champion Martin Kaymer and Masters champion Bubba Watson.
In second place, though, is the tournament's surprise package, Hiroshi Iwata of Japan, and McDowell confessed he knew ‘nothing’ about the man who qualified by finishing third on the Japan Tour order of merit.
"I saw him make one golf swing. I never heard of him," said McDowell. "Looked like a beautiful golf swing. But genuinely, I've never heard of him. No disrespect meant, just looking forward to seeing him tomorrow [Sunday]."
Iwata is 33 years old and despite playing his first WGC event, showed few nerves among such exulted company.
He rolled home a 30-foot birdie putt at the 18th for a round of 68 to follow his 65 on Friday, the low round of the week.
Watson and Kaymer are back at nine-under after shooting 69 and 66 respectively.
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