Dier three shots clear in Dutch Open

Tobias Dier has maintained his grip on the Dutch Open.

Dier had carded 10 birdies in his opening 60 at Hilversum, missing an eagle putt on the 18th to create history with the first ever 59.

And the 25-year-old German resumed with 11 straight pars in his second round.

Birdies at the 12th, 16th and 18th gave him a second round 67 and 13-under halfway total of 127, three shots clear of Kent's Jamie Spence.

"Today was very steady, I'm not making many mistakes but I just did not hole that many putts, that was the difference," said Dier, who has yet to record a bogey in 36 holes.

"But I am happy with the way I'm playing and hopefully I can carry on what I'm doing. There was not too much pressure this morning because I teed off at 7.20 in the morning so I wasn't too awake. As soon as I settled down it was a normal round."

Spence finished in style with an eagle on the 18th to add to another on the 12th, to be home in 30 for a second round 64 and 10 under total.

Pre-tournament favourite Padraig Harrington and Worthing's Gary Evans, were in a tie for third along with Sheffield's Mark Roe.