English duo out in front

England’s David Howell went on a spectacular second-round charge to share the lead with Ryder Cup team-mate Luke Donald and American Chris DiMarco on his Masters debut at Augusta National today – before rain held up play again.

The 29-year-old from Swindon, without a tournament victory since the 1999 Dubai Desert Classic and with a best finish on American soil of 37th, thrilled the band of family and friends supporting him with five birdies in seven holes on the back nine.