Stricken Storm out in Portugal

England’s Graeme Storm withdrew midway through the opening round of the Portugal Masters due to illness, the European Tour have confirmed.

The Hartlepool-born Storm, who was suffering from swollen glands and general nausea, was three over par after eight holes when he pulled out of the tournament yesterday at the Oceanico Victoria Golf Course.

Storm went into the event having finished joint-30th in the Madrid Masters last week, a result that lifted the 33-year-old up to 102nd place in The Race to Dubai.

Finishing in the top 115 would see Storm retain his European Tour card for 2012.

The Irish are fairing well on day two with Peter Lawrie three off the lead on seven under after six holes while Shane Lowry and Gary Murphy are both six under after 10 and four holes respectively.

Damien McGrane is four under after six.

Gareth Maybin resumes at lunchtime on seven under while Padraig Harrington starts on five under.