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Noren takes charge in Portugal

31/03/2007

English tour debutant Ross McGowan slipped back into second at the Portuguese Open after Sweden's Alex Noren assumed the lead with a strong 68.

The high winds that have been a feature of the tournament were one again a major factor in the day's play and McGowan suffered a slow start after leading overnight.

The 24-year-old rookie dropped four shots on the opening seven holes and was in danger of sliding out of contention altogether before he regained composure and raced back down the inward nine in 32.

Noren started the day in a tie for third place but moved up through the field with a consistent, solid round that matched his score of the previous day and took him one shot clear of McGowan at six-under.

The chances of a maiden Tour victory tomorrow grew stronger as established names such as Paul Broadhurst were left cursing the condition.

A two-times winner of the event, Broadhurst struggled to a four-over 75 while KLM Open champion Simon Dyson's early challenge also petered out as he fell back to level-par.

Spanish amateur Pablo Martin and England's Graeme Storm are tied for third place at four-under.

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