VILAMOURA, Portugal (AP) Francesco Molinari has matched the lowest halfway total of the European Tour this season to take a one-stroke lead after the second round of the Portugal Masters.
The Italian shot a 6-under 66 on Friday, with five birdies and a bogey on the back nine. The overnight leader finished at 15-under 129.
South African Charl Schwartzel made three straight birdies from the 15th, but then finished with a bogey for a second successive 65.
Padraig Harrington, who was tied for 32nd overnight, collected 10 birdies in a 62 that moved him into third place two strokes back.
Retief Goosen and Pablo Martin were tied for fourth place, a further shot behind. Martin became the first amateur to win a title on the circuit when he won the Portuguese Open two years ago.
East notes: Revs’ playoff push well underwayItaly’s Molinari takes lead at Portugal Masters
