ALGARVE OPEN DE PORTUGAL RELATED STORIES Algarve Open de Portugal Preview Algarve Open de Portugal Scores Round 1: Paul Broadhurst leads with record round Round 2: Paul Broadhurst increases lead Round 3: Ricardo Gonzalez vaults into lead with 64 Round 4: Paul Broadhurst successfully defends title Dougherty has sights on wins 2006 European Tour Schedule GOLF TODAY TOP STORIES Paul Azinger names US wildcards Faldo chooses Casey and Poulter Havret gains wire to wire Gleneagles win Sluman clinches First Tee Open with closing 67 Fallout continues over LPGA "English" rule Poulter chooses high risk Ryder Cup strategy GREAT GIFTS FOR GOLFERS Golf Breaks to Portugal & Ireland Half Price Golf Vouchers InstructaCard - your portable pro! The Father & Son Golf Ch'ship Golf Insurance

Paul Broadhurst increases lead

Defending champion Paul Broadhurst shot a 3-under 69 Friday, extending his lead to two strokes halfway through the Algarve Open.

The 40-year-old Englishman made up for three bogeys with six birdies to go 11-under. Frenchman Christian Cevaer trailed with a 69 at the Le Meridien Penina course in southern Portugal.

Christian Nilsson of Sweden (71) was another shot back, followed by countrymen Jarmo Sandelin (70) and Matthias Eliasson (67), who finished four shots behind the leader.

Broadhurst found the water at the fifth hole.

"It felt like a visit to the dentist's out there," Broadhurst said. "But I persevered, and my short game got me out of trouble."

Broadhurst, who hasn't won a title since his win in Portugal last year, equaled the course record with a 64 for a one-stroke lead after the first round.