Lonard moves clear into the weekend

Australian Peter Lonard remained on course for his first European Tour title on Friday, firing a second round two-under par 70 to move two shots clear at the Irish Open.

A runner-up three times on the European Tour, Lonard sits 10-under at the midway point with South African Jamie Kingston and Britain's Stephen Gallacher two adrift.

Nick O'Hern, who shared the overnight lead with Lonard, slipped four strokes off the pace joining a group of five at six-under.

Tournament favourite Darren Clarke, who has announced he will go back to his old caddie Billy Foster for a third time when he plays the U.S. PGA Championship next month, partnered Lonard but trails the leader by seven strokes.

On a blustery day on the Irish links, Lonard began brightly with a birdie-eagle start before succumbing to the crosswinds that caused him two dropped shots.

But a solid back nine left the 37-year-old atop the leaderboard and closer to his maiden win in Europe.

Now in his 12th year on the European Tour, Lonard admitted he is anxious to prove himself a winner.

A victory at the County Louth Country Club would also reward Lonard's determination after his career was interrupted for 18 months in 1993 and 1994 by 'Ross River Fever'.

The illness caused his eyesight to deteriorate and nearly forced Lonard out of the Irish Open since he had corrective laser eye surgery in London just two days before Thursday's opening round.

"I've played reasonably well over here, played well two weeks ago in the Scottish Open and had a chance to win at Portmarnock in this event last year, so I know I can do it," said Lonard.

Like Lonard, Gallacher and Kingston, who birdied the same five consecutive holes from the second for a second day, also have their sights set on their maiden wins.

The nephew of former European Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, much has been expected of Gallacher but the Scot insists he is not under pressure just because of his family tie.

"Having Bernard as an uncle has been good for me rather than putting me under pressure," said Gallacher. "It's opened doors for me.

"I know a win will come along eventually. All you need is a bit of luck and things going your way.

"I feel as if I've got the game for it."

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