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Strange cements place at top of leaderboard at Celtic Manor

30/05/2008

Australian Scott Strange fired 66 to lead by four strokes at the halfway stage of the Welsh Open at Celtic Manor.

Strange lies on 13-under, four strokes clear of a handful of players including English duo Benn Barham (64) and Robert Dinwiddie (65).

Sweden's Robert Karlsson is among five players on eight under after he carded 67. Open champion Padraig Harrington missed his first halfway cut in Europe for 19 months after only managing 74.

But it was Strange's day as he stretched his lead, after going round in 28 on the front nine.

The 31-year-old could only sink one birdie on the back nine but failed to drop a shot to stay at the top of the leaderboard.

Strange, in his debut season on the European Tour, said he was not surprised with the start to his second round.

"When I went out in 32 I thought anything could happen after the 28 yesterday. But it was a bit quieter this time," Strange said.

"I was swimming down the fairways it was so wet."

"I'd love to win on every tour and to win here would be fantastic. Playing in Asia is different to here, but I'm adapting quite well.

Meanwhile, Nick Dougherty is on six under after a 69, Colin Montgomerie (68) is a shot further back while Ryder Cup teammate Darren Clarke also shot a 68 to lie on four-under.