Francesco Molinari keeps lead at Portugal Masters

Friday, October 16, 2009

Italy's Francesco Molinari gestures as he arrives on the 9th green to complete the second round of the Portugal Masters golf tournament Friday, Oct. 16 2009, at the Victoria golf course in Vilamoura, in southern Portugal's Algarve region. (AP Photo/Armando Franca)

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.

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