Smyth stays in the hunt

In possibly his last season on the European Tour, Des Smyth has stayed firmly in the frame for a high finish in the Murphy Irish Open at Fota Island.

Smyth returned a second round 68 to be seven-under-par at the halfway stage and currently only two strokes behind the leader Peter O'Malley from Australia.

Four birdies and one bogey was the story of Smyth's second round and, naturally, the Drogheda man was highly pleased with his performance.

"Seven-under is as good as I could do," he reflected. "I'm vedry happy to be in this position at the halfway stage. I have putted very well for the last two days but I didn't play as well today as yesterday.

"I missed seven greens so the result is fantastic. I scrambled well, pitched beautifully and

putted beautifully. It's a great result and I am really happy with seven-under-par. It is always difficult to follow up a good start."

Padraig Harrington followed up his rather disappointing opening 71 with a 68 to be three-under for the tournament. He has still a lot of ground to make up.

He had four birdies but went into the water at the 18th for bogey.

"It was better today and who knows what will happen tomorrow. Six back is not a hopeless position to be in. The course played easier today. The pin positions were not so difficult and there wasn't so much wind.

"I missed a few 15-footers and after almost making eagle two at the 6th I then missed birdie from four feet."

Irish amateur Colm Moriarity, from Athlone, must wait to later to see if he makes the cut. At level par he is very much on the borderline after rounds of 73 and 69. He make five birdies in his second round and missed a few other birdie chances.

"I felt pretty comfortable out there and I putted quite well. I'd love to be still here for the weekend," he reflected.

Waterville's David Higgins, on 144, has missed the cut but Philip Walton is certain to be around for the weekend. He carded a second round 69 to be two-under for the championship and commented:

"I have been driving the ball really well and that's a big plus for me. I gave it a rip today. My putting

is letting me down, however - I'm not sinking enough putts. I had two three-putts today."

Newcomer Graeme McDowell, from Portrush, playing in only his second pro tournament, made three birdies in his first eight holes today but water cost him a shot at the 18th hole that was his 9th.

He turned three-under for the tournament but two holes later suffered a double bogey.

Clubhouse scores (Par 142):

135 - D Smyth 67,68

139 - P Harrington 71,68

140 - P Walton 71,69

142 - C Moriarity (A) 73,69

144 - D Higgins 69,75

145 - F Howley 74,71

147 - N Manchip 76,71

150 - J Dignam 74,76