Edfors edges clear in Doha

Swede pulls clear in Doha after spakling 66

Last updated: 25th January 2008

edfors johan

Edfors: Two-shot lead

Second round leaders:
(GB & Ire unless stated)
J Edfors (Swe) -9
C Schwartzel (SA) -7
L Westwood -7

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Johan Edfors produced a best-of-the-day 66 to open up a two-shot lead after the second round of the Qatar Masters in Doha.

The Swede carded seven birdies and a just a single bogey on Friday to pull clear of the field on -9.

Lee Westwood followed up his opening 67 with a 70 to ensure he is one of the men two shots back, the other being South African Charl Schwarzel.

Schwarzel's compatriot Anton Haig - who shared the overnight lead with Westwood - remains well in touch as one of four players on -6.

It was also a profitable day for Colin Montgomerie with the Scot pushing himself into contention with a 68 that takes him to -5 with Henrik Stenson (70) and Nick Dougherty (67).

However, a number of other Ryder Cup hopefuls did not fare so well with Paul Casey (for the second week running), Paul McGinley, Ian Poulter and last week's winner Martin Kaymer all missing the cut.

Starting on the tenth tee, Edfors got his round off to the ideal start as he made a birdie at the par-five, but quickly gave it back at the short 13th.

However, that was to be his only error of the day and four birdies in his next five holes ensured he hit the turn in just 32 strokes.

He promptly birdied the first and second as well to make it six birdies in seven holes and pars all the way home meant he was the man the rest had to chase.

Schwartzel was another of the earlier starters and did his best to catch Edfors as he returned a bogey-free round of 67 to move within two.

Steady Westwood

Westwood would have been hoping for a fast start after his excellent opening round on Thursday but could manage only one bogey and six pars in his first seven holes.

A birdie did finally arrive at the short par-three eighth and a steady round became a decent one when further birdies at 15 and 16 saw him move level with Schwartzel.

Joining Haig on -6 are Englishmen David Howell and Ross McGowan and Swde Alexander Noren.

1998 champion Andrew Coltart - playing courtesy of his exemption having lost his card last year after more than a decade on the European Tour - carded his second successive 70 to spark hopes of an unlikely second triumph that would prove invaluable to his ailing career.

Rory McIlroy (71), Luke Donald (72) and Adam Scott (73) are amongst those on -2, while Sergio Garcia has slipped back to level-par after a hugely disappointing 75.