Johansson takes charge in Moscow

Swede Per-Ulrik Johansson hit a stunning 10-under-par round of 62 to take a clear lead in the second round of the Russian Open in Moscow.

Johansson’s bogey-free round lifted him from a tie for eighth to 13 under following his 69 yesterday and six strokes ahead of closest challenger Gary Murphy of Ireland.

Murphy, joint third overnight, had only just begun his second round but was also heading in the right direction after he birdied the first two holes to move to seven under.

Overnight leader Christian Nilsson birdied the first but dropped to six under after bogeys on the second and third.

Two players safely in the clubhouse at six under were Christopher Hanell and Jesus Maria Arruti after shooting 65 and 68 respectively. Arruti’s position would have been stronger but for a double bogey at the 10th.

Jean-Baptiste Gonnet was also six under after four holes of his second round.

Philip Golding led the English challenge after adding a 69 to his first-round 70 to lie in a tie for seventh. English amateur Chris Wood shot six birdies in a round of 68 that took him to four under par overall.