Ireland's Browne ties for second at St Omer Open

Ireland's Stephen Browne lies in a share of second place after a fine round of 69 at the AA St Omer Open in France today.

Browne lies on four under, one shot behind Carl Suneson of Spain.

It was not a good day all round for the Irish in France, however.

Former Ryder Cup hero Philip Walton's hopes of a return to form failed to materialise today.

Walton made an early exit from the As St Omer Open following a 77 which took him to 10 over.

Spaniard Suneson, one under overnight, was quickly into his rhythm and picked up shots at two, six, seven and nine to move to five under.

His only blip came at the 10th hole but he made amends with a birdie at 14.

Suneson is feeling the benefits of going to David Leadbetter’s Academy. “I have always been a bit of a tense person and my swing wasn’t up to scratch, “ he said.

“I needed to make a few changes and I am playing a lot better. We’ll just have to wait and see at the weekend if I can keep it going because you never know with this game.”