Hedblom takes control in Perth

Peter Hedblom carded a three-under par 69 to claim a two-shot lead after the second round of the Perth International.

The Swede needs a victory this week to ensure his playing card for next season’s European Tour, is the outright leader on seven-under after being in a four-way tie for the lead after the first 18 holes.

The Swede finished Friday’s round two shots clear of England’s Ross Fisher, who shot the lowest round of the day – a five-under par 67.

The next two days will be crucial for the 43-year-old, although the Swede has played down suggestions that he has a lot to lose should he be forced to play in the Qualifying School.

“I don’t really have anything to lose. If I want to play another full year on Tour, I need to win,” Hedblom said.

“So I just have to go for it and have fun. I think I’m better when I’m up in the lead rather than trying to shoot a low score to try to get into the lead.”

A group of five players – including Denmark’s Soren Hansen – was on four-under, while pre-tournament favourite Dustin Johnson was six shots off the pace.

Defending champion Bo van Pelt was on three-under par at the half-way stage.

The highlight of Fisher’s round was a chip from the bunker at the par-three eighth, which found the cup from more than 20 metres.

“It was a decent lie but it was coming down the green and downhill, so I knew it was going to be pretty quick,” Fisher said.

“I’m still getting used to the greens. Obviously, they are a lot quicker than what myself and all the Europeans are used to.”