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STRAFFAN, Ireland, - Little-known European Open golf tournament leader Pelle Edberg of Sweden had two formidable players lurking behind him after yesterday's second round.
Eight-times European number one Colin Montgomerie shot the joint-best round of the week, a six-under 64, to finish one stroke off the pace alongside Swede Niclas Fasth who shrugged off a bad cold to fire a 68.
Edberg fashioned his five-under 65 on a windy morning at the K Club to move to eight-under 132, while Montgomerie and Fasth had to endure heavy showers in the afternoon.
Michael Campbell remained on the pace in eighth place after shooting a one-over 71. He is seven shots behind Edberg on 139.
Montgomerie's switch this week to a belly-putter earned rich rewards. He said the last time he had played as well was in 1999 when he won his seventh successive order of merit.
After an early three-putt left him worrying more about making the cut than winning for the first time in 19 months, the Scot's belly-putter helped secure seven birdies.
"The belly-putter seems to be holing out better," Montgomerie told reporters.
"Everyone said how well I putted at the Ryder Cup in 2002 at the Belfry with that and I'm trying to go back to that kind of stroke."
Fasth has more than the $US800,000 ($NZ1.03 million) first prize to gain if he can emulate his BMW International Open victory in Munich two weeks ago, with a top-20 world ranking, second place on the order of merit and a ticket to the World Match Play Championship at Wentworth on offer.
"I've got a fever and stuff so I'm not feeling my most energetic," said the former Ryder Cup player.
"I'll try and rest and with a bit of luck I'll feel better tomorrow. I'm going to give it a good go this weekend."
US Open champion Angel Cabrera trailed Edberg by eight shots after a 69 but the Argentine did not rule out a victory charge.
"We have 36 holes to come and anything can happen," the 38-year-old said.
Edberg is in unfamiliar territory and has adjusted his sights.
"I've never been in this position but I stayed pretty calm when I saw my name on the top of the leaderboard," he said.
"I've been thinking if I can have a good week I can secure my tour card but now I'm hoping I can keep playing like today and do much better."
- REUTERS
