Goosen back in front

Retief Goosen remained the man to catch at the BMW International Open in Munich today.

Two ahead after an opening eight-under-par 64, the twice US Open champion was initially caught by England’s David Lynn when play resumed, but then showed his class to move clear again.

Birdies at the 13th and 16th were followed by a 12-foot putt for another on the long 18th, and by turning in 33 Goosen stood 11 under and three in front. He had yet to drop a stroke.

Compatriot James Kingston and Welshman Stephen Dodd were in joint second. Dodd made three birdies in four holes and Kingston three in five, while Lynn’s bogey at the 432-yard first meant he was in a share for fourth with fellow countryman Danny Willett, Scot David Drysdale and Spanish star Miguel Angel Jimenez.

Bernhard Langer’s hopes of becoming the oldest winner in European Tour history - he is 52 in August – were still alive as he covered the inward half in 35 to be five under and tied for 11th.

Playing partner Rory McIlroy, who at 20 is 31 years his junior, was only one shot further back following birdies at the 10th, 11th and 18th. But Colin Montgomerie’s rollercoaster ride continued.

The Ryder Cup captain – who turned 46 on Tuesday – resumed on two under, went back to level par, then birdied three of the next four and then started the front nine with back-to-back bogeys.

All that left him only one under, one outside the expected mark for the halfway cut tonight.