Molinari continues hot streak

Ryder Cup newcomer Edoardo Molinari continued to ride the crest of a wave in Switzerland today.

Five days after winning the Johnnie Walker Championship at Gleneagles and then being handed one of Colin Montgomerie’s three wild cards, Molinari led the Omega European Masters at Crans-sur-Sierre.

Two behind fellow Italian Matteo Manassero overnight – the 17-year-old was among the later starters in the second round – the older of the brothers who will both represent Europe at Celtic Manor next month birdied four of his first six holes.

Then, after turning in 31, he began the front nine with two more birdies to be 11 under par and two ahead of Finn Mikko Ilonen.

England’s Graeme Storm had been the first to make a move, four birdies in his first five holes taking him clear. But the Hartlepool golfer then bogeyed the eighth, ninth, 11th and 13th before coming back with an eagle at the next.

Storm was in third place at eight under as a result, one in front of Manassero and Scotland’s David Drysdale.

Molinari was playing with 55-year-old Greg Norman, but his first event since shoulder surgery 12 months ago looked set to end after two days. He was six over - 17 behind the man alongside him.