English duo out in front

Veterans Lisa Hall and Laura Davies plus Yorkshire rookie Fame More made it an impressive scoreboard for English players at the halfway stage of the Deutsche Bank Swiss Open.

Hall shot a best-of-the-day 67 at Golf Gerre in Losone, while More had a 69 to share top spot on nine-under-par 135.

Davies had a 71 and was alone in third place on seven-under.

Hall, better known under her maiden name of Hackney, was one of the world’s best players when she won the 1997 LPGA rookie of the year award and played in two Solheim Cups.

But then she suffered a slump in form – and gave the game up altogether last year.

“But I decided to come back and try and play a bit in Europe and was given an invitation here,” said the 38-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent whose one win came in the 1996 Welsh Open.

“I’m just so excited at having the chance to compete again and today was just so enjoyable.

“I’ve still not got any real expectations for the weekend, but it’s just exciting to be playing well again.”

Davies was also delighted to see her old friend back to her best.

“I’d be really happy if Lisa won,” said Davies after a round including four birdies which was only spoiled by a three-putt at the fourth and a double-bogey at the 16th.

Davies, seeking a 35th European win, has had a miserable run in America this year, but she added: “First and foremost, I’m just happy to be back in Europe. Also, this course suits me.

“In America, if you just miss a fairway you can lose a ball.”

More missed the first two cuts of the season in Europe – but birdies at the final two holes gave the former amateur star a first taste of being in contention as a professional.