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Consistent Immelman claims Masters lead at halfway stage

12/04/2008

South Africa's Trevor Immelman has carded a second round 68 to claim a one shot lead at the halfway stage of the US Masters in Augusta.

It is the second successive four-under round from the 28-year-old and his consistent performances helped him keep his place at the top of the leaderboard – having started the day level with England's Justin Rose.

Immelman is now one shot ahead of American Brandt Snedeker, who also carded a 68 on day two of the tournament.

Behind them Ian Poulter and Phil Mickelson continued their good form and are tied for third place, along with Steve Flesch, on five-under-par – three shots off the leader.

Immelman claimed the advantage ahead of Snedeker after scoring two vital birdies at the final two holes to secure his place at the head of the field.

Snedeker also posted a birdie-birdie finish, recovering from a dropped shot on the 16th, to keep the pressure on the South African.

Poulter was able to build on his hole-in-one from the first day with a solid round of three-under-par. The Englishman made three birdies on the back nine to push himself up the leaderboard.

Two-time Masters champion Phil Mickelson is also well-placed following his second round, the American carded an error-free round of four-under.

Overnight leader Rose is now down in 29th place after suffering a poor second round that saw him make three bogeys and one triple-bogey in a round of six-over-par.

World number one Tiger Woods is seven shots adrift of Immelman after an inconsistent second round. Woods made four birdies and three bogeys during his round of 71.

Ernie Els, Sergio Garcia, Luke Donald, Fred Couples and Jose Maria Olazabal all missed the three-over-par cut.