Rocca ends missed cut run

Defending champion Costantino Rocca ended the worst missed cuts run of his career in the North West of Ireland Open.

The 43-year-old has made the cut just five times in 17 starts this year, missing the last seven in a row and with a best finish of just joint 28th to his name.

But that run of form finally came to an end at the Slieve Russell course with a second consecutive 71 for a halfway total of 142, two under par.

That left Rocca six shots off the lead held by an Englishman, Irishman and a Welshman at eight under.

Beal added a 69 to his opening 67 in a rare start for him this season with his schedule limited after losing his card last year.

"I can't remember the last time I was leading at halfway," he said. "Needless to say if I'm leading on Sunday I'll be excited!

"It's just nice to play some decent golf well and putt well. I've had some neck trouble and with a poor ranking haven't got into many events and not had the chance to get any form or continuity going."

Murphy equalled the course record of 66 established yesterday mainly thanks to an inward half of 31.

"I thought I was playing in the pro-am but when I arrived I was told I wasn't and by then it was too late to practice," Murphy said. "I did play here in May but I did rubbish!

"The key was playing conservatively, I didn't go for any flags and played solidly. I've got a bet on myself as well, at 80-1."

Houston, a former Welsh amateur champion, is playing his first season on the Challenge Tour and has missed just three cuts in 12 events.

"I've been playing well since the Open," Houston said. "I missed out in a play-off in qualifying but since then it's snowballed and it's been a good year. My goal is to get to the European Tour qualifying school finals."

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