Garrido shatters course record to lead in Spanish Open

Spaniard Ignacio Garrido stole the show at the Spanish Open on Friday with a birdie-littered second round that gave him a commanding four-shot lead at the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla.

Martin Erlandsson had set a new course record of seven-under-par 65 to become the overnight leader but the Swede, despite an impressive 68, was pushed into second as Garrido put himself firmly in contention for victory.

Garrido, the eldest son of former Ryder Cup player Antonio, had impressed with a late surge on the opening day but a total of nine birdies contributed to his second round of 63 for a 15-under-par total of 129.

Erlandsson began his day with a bogey at the par-four first, but recovered in spectacular fashion with an eagle at the par-five fifth.

Another bogey at the 17th hole left the Swede, who was less consistent than his opening day display with only four birdies, in second with a two-round tally of 11-under-par 133.

Australian Peter Fowler battled his way back up the leaderboard to take a four-man share of third place with an impressive six-under-par second round of 66.

Alongside Fowler is England's David Lynn, Spaniard Carlos Rodiles and Marco Ruiz of Paraguay.

Local favourite Miguel Angel Jimenez is among six players sharing seventh place on 137, seven under par, the Spaniard carding an improved 67 to his first round of 70.

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke, one of several big names on the comeback trail, is three under par for the tournament but languishing outside the top 30.

Scotland's Colin Montgomerie avoided missing the cut by just one shot after he had a relatively disastrous second round 73 which left him on 143.

It bodes ill for Montgomerie's bid to cement a place in this year's Ryder Cup team having missed the US Masters after slumping in the world rankings.

American John Daly missed the cut despite carding an improved 70 after the second round. Daly had a disastrous opening 75.

Defending champion Charl Schwartzel also missed the cut, the South African's second round 70 not enough to erase the damage done by his opening day 74.