Bjorn, Gallacher out in front

bruced
September 7, 2013

Thomas Bjorn and Stephen Gallacher claimed a share of the lead of the Omega European Masters, finishing Friday’s second round on 10-under par.

2011 champion Bjorn bogeyed the last hole to settle for a 66, which included six birdies.

Gallacher made seven birdies during his round of 65, but also relinquished the outright lead when he made a bogey on the long 18th.

The leading pair had a narrow advantage over a group of players, which include 2010 winner Miguel Angel Jimenez, Danny Willett, Richard Finch and Tommy Fleetwood and Victor Dubuisson.

Another stroke back is first round leader Anirban Lahiri and Paul Casey, while three-time major winner Harrington shot a 65 to be in contention on seven-under.

“That was a solid round again today,” Gallacher told europeantour.com.

“I hit the ball really well on the front nine and got my just rewards for the putts and I’m still in there for tomorrow.

“My back has been a bit sore but I’ve had a lot of physio and it has settled right down. I am having a break after this week to get it properly right.”

Bjorn credited his improved form to a change in putting style, after a period of struggling on the greens.

“I’ve been struggling technically and there have been some big changes this week because I found myself very poor technically over the last few weeks,” said the Dane.

“I’ve gone back to doing it myself and sometimes that’s the best way.

“Experience always seems to come through on this course and that’s what I’m hoping for at the weekend.

“But you can’t get carried away on this golf course or you will run up big numbers.”

European Tour