Rocca takes narrow lead into weekend

Overnight leader Costantino Rocca fired a second-round 69 Friday to increase the likelihood of a third Italian victory in four years at the North West of Ireland Open.

Former Ryder Cup player Rocca, who won the inaugural event in 1999 before compatriot Massimo Scarpa triumphed a year later, moved one stroke clear of the field at four-under-par 140 after 36 holes.

Another Italian, Massimo Florioli, was alone in second place after reeling off four birdies for a two-under-par 70 in calmer conditions on day two at the tough Ballyliffin links.

A further stroke back in a tie for third at two-under 142 were two players who broke the 'Glashedy' course record during the day -- Frenchman Jean-Francois Lucquin and Scot Andrew Coltart.

Lucquin shot a 67 to beat the previous mark by four shots before Coltart improved on that just over four hours later with a six-under-par 66.

Dane Allan Hogh and Spain's Jesus-Maria Arruti, who both carded level-par 72s, were a further stroke back in a share of fifth.

Leader Rocca was rewarded for his impressive first-round 71, achieved in the worst of the high winds Thursday, but the 1995 British Open runner-up felt he should have finished the day even further ahead.

"I didn't putt very well and missed several putts inside three meters," said the 45-year-old Bergamo professional. "It should have been at least a 67."

Rocca was at first fazed by the calmer conditions, adding: "I missed my first two drives because I tried to hit into the wind, and the wind wasn't there."

ITALIAN ONE-TWO

Asked if he remembered when two Italians last occupied the top two places in a tournament, he replied: "Top two? No. Top 14 yes!"

The 30-year-old Florioli has claimed two titles on the European Challenge Tour and is also looking for success this week, not only to claim a one-year tour exemption but to continue Italy's record in the tournament.

"It would be nice to be the third Italian winner of this tournament," said the Italian, who has finished second twice and third twice on the European Tour.

"Normally I don't play well on links courses, so this is a bit of a surprise."

Lucquin, who mixed seven birdies with a double-bogey at the par-four third for a five-under-par 67, did not have any idea how well he would fare on links courses at the start of the week.

The 23-year-old Frenchman is playing links golf for the first time in his life at the North West of Ireland Open.

Coltart, worried about a recent dip in form, fully justified his decision to come to a tournament in which half the field comprises Challenge Tour players.

"It was nice to make a significant move," said the Scot of his second-round 66. "Whatever happens at the weekend, I'm doing the right thing by playing."

American Scott Kammann had a hole in one at the 174-yard fifth, sandwiched by a triple-bogey eight and a double-bogey six. But he missed the cut after firing a 76 to finish at 10-over-par 154.

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