Karlsson leaps ahead as Westwood finally finds form

SWEDEN’S Robert Karlsson put himself in pole position to claim a second BMW International Open title after firing an eight under par 64 for a two-shot lead at Nord-Eichenried Golf Club.

Karlsson, winner of the title in 1997 after a play-off, took full advantage of the morning session before rain and thunderstorms disrupted the afternoon play, to leap ahead of overnight leader Raphael Jacquelin of France.

The Swede hit two eagles and also chipped in on the seventh for one of his five birdies as he prepares to defend his European Masters title in Switzerland next week.

“You always have good feelings when you come back to a course where you have done well before but it’s too early to think about winning again,” said Karlsson, winner of five European Tour titles.

“There is a little less rough than last year which suits me perfectly. It’s set up for a long hitter and you have to play the par fives well. I think I’m 10 under for them so far.”

Jacquelin, who opened with a course-record equalling 62, produced a three under par 69 to move to 13 under par, and keep his bid for a maiden tour win alive with the help of an eagle, two birdies and one dropped shot.

Swede Peter Hedblom and England’s Gary Emerson sit a further shot back on 12 under par, and just behind is Lee Westwood, the Englishman showing signs of the form which helped him win the 2000 Order of Merit.

Westwood is relishing a rare lie-in today as he chases his first tournament victory in almost three years.

Westwood added a second-round 68 to his opening 65 for an 11-under-par halfway total of 133.

It means the 30-year-old will be among the later starters in the third round and could signal an end to the spectacular loss of form which has seen him slump from fourth in the world to 215th.

Westwood has not won since his seven victories worldwide in 2000 which saw him end Colin Montgomerie’s seven-year reign as European number one.

But he began working with renowned coach David Leadbetter in January this year and after painstaking progress, Leadbetter told him at the recent USPGA Championship that his swing “looked as good as it ever has”.

“It’s nice to be in contention again, I haven’t been for quite a while,” said Westwood who did not have a single top-10 finish throughout last year. “I’m looking forward to seeing my name on the leaderboard again and having a lie-on on Saturday for a change.

“It’s my first time at this course but I’ve got Pete Coleman working for me now, who caddied for Bernhard Langer for 22 years, so he’s been here a few times before.”