Karlsson goes low in Milan

Karlsson: Two eagles

Leaderboard:
-15 R Karlsson (Swe)
-13 H Otto (SA)
-13 M Foster (Eng)
-11 E Goya (Arg)
-11 A Hansen (Den)

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Ryder Cup hopeful Robert Karlsson stormed to the top of the leaderboard with a course record 61 in the second round of the Italian Open in Milan on Friday.

The Swede, who made his Ryder Cup debut in the record-equalling victory at the K-Club in 2006, has made a solid, if unspectacular start to the season - but that all changed on day two at the Castello di Tolcinasco Golf & Country Club.

Starting on the 10th, Karlsson birdied the first three holes but then recorded what was to prove his only dropped shot at the par-four 13th after driving into the water.

An eagle putt from 30 feet dropped at the 15th and another from 15 feet followed at the first as the 38-year-old began his charge through the field.

A run of four birdies in five holes left him in sight of the fabled 59, requiring a birdie-eagle finish to become the first player on the European circuit to break 60.

But it wasn't to be - Karlsson could only take three at the par-three eighth while a birdie at his closing hole gave him a 61, knocking a stroke off the previous record.

"It did cross my mind, but I've had some problems on eight in the past - I was pretty happy with a three there," he said.

The 11-under-par round gave him a two-round total of -15, a lead of two on the chasing pack headed by South Africa's Hennie Otto, who added a flawless 66 to his opening round of 65.

Few of the afternoon starters were able to land a blow on the runaway leaders, the notable exception being England's Mark Foster who matched Otto's 66 to join him on 13 under par.

Foster's effort was all the more remarkable as he carded a double-bogey six at the sixth - his 15th - but got the shots back with birdies at the seventh and ninth.

Anders Hansen of Denmark recorded a 65 to lie four shots off the pace in a tie for fourth with unheralded Argentine Estanislao Goya, with a further seven players still in contention a stroke back.

There was drama for England's Oliver Wilson, who was unable to use his putter after the 10th hole after noticing the shaft had bent slightly.

Unperturbed, Wilson promptly rolled in three birdie putts - including one from 20 feet - with his wedge to record a 69 and leave him on -9, six off the lead.