England’s David Carter, without a European Tour victory in nine years, emerged from a “deep, dark hole” to lead the KLM Open at the halfway stage..

Ireland’s Gary Murphy admitted he was “sweating” after securing a par on the last to finish one better than Michelle Wie on 14 over at the Omega European Masters today.

Colin Montgomerie turned down the chance to be fitted for his Ryder Cup uniform a fortnight ao – but will gladly accept a wild card on to the European team if he needs one.

The players ranked 107th and 119th on the European tour this season lie first and second at the halfway stage of the Barclays Scottish Open at Loch Lomond.