Casey & Tunnicliff lead after 65's

Former European rookie of the year Paul Casey surged into a share of the Canaries Spanish Open lead on Friday as he stayed on course to become a force in Europe by taking his second title of the year.

Casey and fellow Briton Miles Tunnicliff both shot seven-under-par 65s to move to 15-under-par 129 in the second round to keep double major winner Jose Maria Olazabal, trying to win his first Spanish Open, at bay.

Olazabal helped his chances with a 67 to share third place, two strokes behind with Spanish compatriot Santiago Luna, and surprise contenders Simon Kahn of Britain and Ireland's Peter Lawrie.

Finn Mikko Ilonen equalled the European Tour record for eagles in one round, claiming four as he shot a 65 to move within three shots of the lead.

Co-leader Casey came close to earning a wild card for the 2001 Ryder Cup that took place last year, only failing to get the nod from captain Sam Torrance because of inexperience.

After earning the 2001 rookie of the year award with a maiden win in the Scottish PGA Championship and finishing 22nd on the order of merit, Casey had a quieter 2002, finishing 46th in the rankings.

He came out with renewed vigour this year, though, and sealed the co-sanctioned ANZ Championship in early February.

Now Casey wants to build strongly to become a main player for Europe in next year's Ryder Cup in America and break into the world's top 50 to give himself starts in majors and world championships.

Compiling eight birdies playing alongside five-times major champion Seve Ballesteros showed that Casey is finding form at a crucial part of the season.

"Everything I'm doing is aimed towards the Ryder Cup," he said, reporting just one three-putt blemish in an otherwise first-class round.

"Not only do I want to make the team but I want to play a big part. I don't want to sit out matches on the bench. I'd like to be the guy who can make points from every game.

"It's all about getting my game in good shape by September when the points start and getting into the world rankings top 50.

"Last year my goals possibly weren't correct and I just knew I had to do better all-round this year."

An unexpected call-up to play alongside long-time friend Justin Rose for England in the November 2002 World Cup, when Casey replaced the injured Nick Faldo, proved a turning point in getting his game back, he said.

During a recent six-week break he sharpened up his game even more by playing against US Tour players Tim Herron, Gary McCord and Australian Geoff Ogilvy at his American base in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Costa-del-Sol-based Tunnicliff, who came from Challenge Tour obscurity to clinch last year's Great North Open and establish himself on the main tour, cited familiar ground and new-found confidence for boosting his chances of a second European Tour title.

"The grasses are very similar to what I practise on in Marbella so maybe that has given me a little bit of an advantage but after a few weeks getting used to playing with the big guys I'm also comfortable with being in contention again," he said.

The Golf Costa Adeje course continued to be plundered by the field with the cut falling at six-under-par, the European Tour record lowest by a stroke.

The four-round record of 29-under-par set by Ernie Els in this year's Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia is now under threat.

Olazabal, who has been trying to win his home open since 1985, felt the course's susceptibility would make it even harder for him to win.

"It's going to be well packed at the top on the last day and the margin of error is going to be very small. Just one tiny mistake could prove costly."

Ballesteros, playing his 30th Spanish Open, impressed joint-leader Casey with his renowned short game but failed by a stroke to survive to the weekend, after finishing on 139.

"He's still got the touch," said Casey, "and his game looks close to being good."

Despite rounds of 69 and 67, defending champion Sergio Garcia lies seven strokes off the lead.

South African teenager Charl Schwartzel bounced back from a poor start to sit four shots off the new leaders. His co-first round leader, Marten Olander of Sweden, is three shots behind.

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