Mike Miller carded a second-round 66 to put himself back in the hunt for a top finish in the Modena Classic in Italy.
After an opening 73, the 47-year-old Scot was facing a tough task to beat the halfway cut. However, Miller made the most of the favourable morning conditions to make his move.
Starting at the tenth, he was out in 32 with five birdies and just one bogey, which came at the fourteenth. Only two birdies were collected in a homeward 34, but it leaves Miller in joint tenth on 139.
On the same mark is Stephen Gallacher, who added a 68 to his opening 71 with six birdies and two bogeys but the two Scots are nine shots off the lead still held by Marc Pendaries.
The 31-year-old Frenchman kept a bogey off his card for the second day to match Miller's 66 and lies on 14-under-par 130, three ahead of Massimo Scarpa and four in front of Leif Westerberg.
Most of those who shot low scores were out in the morning when the weather was good. In the afternoon the wind got up making conditions much tougher and putting a higher premium on those battling to make the halfway cut.
Andrew McKenna was one of the unlucky ones, a second 72 leaving him on 144 and one shot over the limit. However, Gordon Sherry fared even worse. A second-round 74 for 150 meant he missed by seven shots. Leading scores (GB and Ireland unless stated):
130 - M Pendaries (France) 64, 66
133 - M Scarpa (Italy) 65, 68
134 - L Westerberg (Sweden) 66, 68
135 - R Winchester 66, 69
136 - P Hughes (Finland) 69, 67
137 - J Berendt (Argentina) 68, 69; A Lebouc (France) 69, 68
138 - M Olander (Sweden) 69, 69; C Hanell (Sweden) 68, 70
Other scores: 140 - A Butterfield 69, 71; W Bennett 74, 66; 141 - S Andrew 71, 70; 142 - P Streeter 74, 68; D Lee 69, 73; D R Jones 72, 70; S Cronin 70, 72; 143 - M Hazelden 71, 72.
qFormer European Tour player Stephen McAllister established a new course record at Newmachar yesterday on his way into the lead at the halfway stage of the McIntosh Plant 36 Hole Pro-am.
The Paisley-based player carded a six-under 66 to go one clear of David Orr of East Renfrewshire, who continued the form which saw him claim the MacGregor Scottish Assistant Championship at Balbirnie Park on Wednesday. Leading professional scores:
66 - S McAllister (Charing Cross Tower Hotel)
67 - D Orr (East Renfrewshire)
68 - G Forbes (Murcar), J Greaves (Glasgow Gailes)
69 - L Vannet (Carnoustie Golf Links), A Tait (Clober), R Arnott (Bishopbriggs GR), M King (Deer Park G&CC)
70 - M Hastie (Turnberry Hotel), N McGill (King James VI), K Stables (Montrose), M Buchan (Kings Links), G Collinson (Windyhill).
qCowal golfer Lorne Kelly will attempt to transfer his impressive domestic form to the demands of an international event this weekend, when he lines up in the field for the 72-hole St Andrews Links Trophy.
The 24-year-old has been in irresistible form since returning from a pulled muscle injury, which saw him miss the start of the season.
In his competitive return, the Walker Cup training squad member bagged the prestigious Lytham Trophy and followed that with a stunning 11-shot win in the West of Scotland Championship at Dullatur a fortnight ago.
This weekend over the Old Course he will face up to the cream of amateur talent from 15 countries.
Aside from Kelly, the main Scottish challenge looks like coming from the 1995 champion Graham Rankin and reigning amateur champion Craig Watson.
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