Lawrie retains share of lead

After his splendid opening round of 64 on Thursday, Peter Lawrie had to be content with an even par 72 in yesterday’s second round of the Sicily Open at the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort.

The 37 year-old Dubliner struggled badly on the greens, yet his score leaves him tied for the lead with five others on eight under par and ideally poised to capture his second European Tour title.

It was also a good day for Shane Lowry, who stands just one behind the six leaders — Lawrie, Jamie Donaldson of Wales, the Swede Pelle Edberg, Holland’s Maarten Lafeber and the English duo David Lynn and Simon Wakefield.