Early blow for home star

Jesper Parnevik’s hopes of securing a third Scandinavian Masters title suffered a blow in the early stages of the second round at Kungsangen.

Parnevik carded an opening 67, four under par, to lie just three shots behind surprise leader Graeme McDowell in the £1.3m (€2m) event.

But the eccentric Swede, who lists vitamins, yoga and bridge among his interests, ran up a double bogey six on the 14th hole - his fourth - to fall back to two under this morning.

Parnevik’s last victory in Europe came in this event in 1998 and he is attempting to match Colin Montgomerie’s hat-trick of titles in the build-up to his third Ryder Cup appearance next month.

The 37-year-old was chosen as one of European captain Sam Torrance’s wild cards, and is likely to team up again with fellow wild card Sergio Garcia.

The pair formed a hugely successful partnership three years ago in Brookline, winning three and a half points out of four in Europe’s narrow and controversial defeat.

McDowell was among the later starters and found his lead under attack from Germany’s Marcel Siem.

Siem was in the last group out yesterday and had bogeyed his final hole for a 67, but opened with two birdies this morning to join Adam Scott in second place at six under, one behind McDowell who set a new course record with his 64.