Garrett edges in front

Australia’s Nikki Garrett carded a seven-under-par 65 to establish a one-shot lead after the second round of the Ladies Spanish Open in Castellon.

The 23-year-old, who won her first Ladies European Tour title at last week’s Tenerife Ladies Open, moved to 11-under in total, edging ahead of overnight leader Rebecca Hudson who posted a 69 for a share of second place at Club de Campo Mediterraneo with France’s Gwladys Nocera (68).

Garrett, starting at the 10th, birdied the 13th, 14th and 16th and picked up further shots at the second and ninth holes with an eagle at the par-five eighth having hit her five-wood approach to seven feet.

“I’ve never shot seven-under before so I’m pretty stoked about that,” said Garrett, the 2006 Ryder Cup Wales Rookie of the Year from Shelly Beach in New South Wales.

“Nothing bothers me out there. I like the course. It’s a nice walk and the greens are great. I hit my driver well and putted really well. It’s like going for a Sunday stroll.”

Hudson, who carded four birdies and one bogey in her second round, said: “I’m really happy because it was a lot tougher this afternoon than this morning.

“The greens were harder and the wind picked up so to score under-par today is pretty good.

“I just made one mistake, at the 14th, which wasn’t really a bad mistake but I recovered quite well. I didn’t miss anything and I’m really pleased with the way I’m playing.”

Nocera, who won three tournaments in 2006, fired six birdies and two bogeys.

She said: “It was a little up and down. I had two three putts and made some really good ones. It was much more difficult this afternoon with the wind so I guess it’s a good score.”

England’s Kirsty Taylor had a 70 which took her to eight-under-par and into fourth position, with compatriot Danielle Masters’ 71 taking her to six-under in fifth position.

Australia’s Sarah Kemp holed her five-iron tee shot at the 154-yard 16th to help her to a 71 and a tie for eighth.

Seven players – five complaining of stomach problems – retired during the second round: Sweden’s Anna Knutsson, Australians Karen Lunn and Carlie Butler, Spain’s Maria Beautell and Becky Brewerton, of Wales.