South African Thomas Aiken hit a day's best 64 to grab a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the European Masters.
South African storms to top of leaderboard in Switzerland
South African Thomas Aiken hit a day's best seven-under round of 64 to grab a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the European Masters in Switzerland.
Aiken, who is looking for a first European Tour title, carded his 64 to move to ten-under for the tournament and a one-stroke advantage on Bradley Dredge and Miguel Angel Jimenez.
As the Europeans started their quest for Ryder Cup places, the 26-year-old South African stole the headlines with six birdies and an eagle.
Aiken finished eighth in the Open and seventh at the WGC-CA Championship as he produced a storming turnaround after starting the season without a full Tour card.
"It's been a fantastic season," Aiken said after his round. "I've performed in the big events like the Open and the World Golf Championship. It will be great if I can cap it off with a win."
Hopefuls
Two Ryder Cup hopefuls were making progress as Dredge shot a fine 65 and Jimenez a 68 to both finish on nine-under in second place.
45-year-old Spaniard Jimenez is looking to become the oldest European to play in the Ryder Cup since the Britain and Ireland side was changed in 1979, while Welshman Dredge hopes to make his debut on home soil.
"The Ryder Cup's my main goal," Dredge said. "You can always play majors but it's a once in a lifetime opportunity for me to play (the event) in Wales."
Simon Dyson, KLM Open champion in Holland two weeks ago, dropped to fourth after he only shot a disappointing 71 following on his opening day 63.
Dyson is joined by fellow Englishman Ross McGowan, Ireland's Paul McGinley and Filipino Angelo Que, part of the 35-strong Asian Tour contingent in this first co-sanctioned event in Europe.
Jimenez is one four members of last year's Ryder Cup side in the tournament, and the other three - Lee Westwood, Graeme McDowell and Oliver Wilson - all stand four under.
Also on the same mark are 16-year-old Italian Matteo Manassero, youngest-ever winner of the British amateur title in June and then a spectacular 13th at Turnberry, and 19-year-old New Zealander Danny Lee - who in February became the Tour's youngest-ever winner.
