Ryder Cup stars climb leaderboard

Europe's Ryder Cup players continued to bask in the glow of their victory over the United States as David Howell and Luke Donald climbed to the top of the Dunhill Links Championship leaderboard on Friday.

Howell fired a seven-under-par 65 in his second round over the Old Course at St Andrews, moving to 14-under-par 130, a stroke ahead of fellow Briton Luke Donald, who also carded a 65.

Howell's experience at Oakland Hills has lifted him to the brink of a second tour win following his triumph in the 1999 Dubai Desert Classic.

The 29-year-old Englishman's seven birdies and a chip-in eagle-two at the 18th, his ninth hole, continued the fine form he showed in finishing third in last week's WGC-American Express Championship.

"There is just a touch more self-belief about me now," Howell said. "It's riding on a crest of a wave.

"But I do also feel I am a better player than, say, two years ago."

The leader's goal is to seal that elusive second win and move further up the world rankings so he can feature in all next year's majors, particularly the U.S. Masters.

"I am convinced I will win again soon," he added. "This week would be a great place to start."

Donald is seeking a third win in Europe in seven events after crossing the Atlantic to ensure he fulfilled his mandatory 11 tour events to earn a place in the Ryder Cup team.

His success in Europe has followed a fine year in America where he still lies 34th on the money-list.

"Last year I felt intimidated by the top players on the U.S. Tour but I've gradually gained in confidence," Donald said after firing eight birdies on the Old Course.

"The Ryder Cup has given a real 'feelgood factor', we are definitely riding on the confidence."

South African Louis Oosthuizen holds third place, two shots off the lead, also after a 65.

Another South African, Richard Sterne, and another two Britons, first round leader Graeme McDowell and Jamie Donaldson, are tied for fourth place, four behind Howell.

McDowell tamed St Andrews the day before with a course record-equalling 62 but dropped three shots in his last four holes at Carnoustie when carding 72.

Colin Montgomerie's 67 at St Andrews took him to within five strokes of Howell, while world number one Vijay Singh trailed world number two Ernie Els by two strokes. Els shot a 68 to be six off the lead with Singh posting a 70, both at St Andrews.

Leader Howell and screen star Samuel L Jackson and Fred Couples and amateur partner Craig Heatley share the team section lead by a stroke on 20 under par.

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