KUALA LUMPUR, 31 Oct, 2014 (AFP) - Westwood's seven-under-par 65 brought the former world number one to within just three shots of leader Billy Hurley III.
The Englishman is one of seven players tied for third at seven-under, including Spanish star Sergio Garcia and defending champion Ryan Moore.
Westwood, who had shot a level-par 72 in round one, pulled a rescue club for the 11th hole at the Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club.
He promptly knocked the tee shot in, and with five birdies the lowest day-two score in the field.
"That was obviously the highlight of the round, the great shot at 11," said Westwood, 41, who won on the same course in the Malaysian Open in April.
"You need a bit of luck, but at the same time you got to hit it well and straight, so it happens now and again. I am pleased with my finish, and 65 has got me right into the tournament."
The unheralded Hurley carded his second straight round of 67 to take the lead at an overall 10-under, with American compatriot Kevin Streelman two strokes back in sole second place.
The 196th-ranked Hurley, who served in the United States Navy for five years, said he had to maintain his focus as there were "still 36 of holes of golf left".
"You know, two-shot lead is better than a one-shot lead, but it's not quite as good as a four-shot lead. You always want to have more," he said.
"If I can keep hitting it in the fairway and keep putting like I have, then I think I'll be right there on Sunday."
Garcia, who is looking to maintain a solid run of form this year that has him ranked fourth in the world, managed a 68 to lie at seven-under, level with Westwood.
Leading second-round scores on Friday in the $7 million CIMB Classic at Kuala Lumpur Golf and Country Club: (Par 72)
134 - Billy Hurley III (USA) 67-67
136 - Kevin Streelman (USA) 68-68
137 – Noh Seung-yul (KOR) 68-69, Jeff Overton (USA) 68-69, Kevin Chappell (USA) 69-68, Ryan Moore (USA) 68-69, Sergio Garcia (ESP) 69-68, Kevin Na (69-68), Lee Westwood (ENG) 72-65.
138 – Jonas Blixt (SWE) 69-69, Danny Lee (NZL) 69-69
139 – Brian Stuard (USA) 67-72, Cameron Smith (AUS) 70-69, Davis Love III (USA) 68-71, Bae Sang-moon (KOR) 71-68, Prom Meesawat (THA) 68-71, Angelo Que (PHI) 67-72