Ross McGowan takes halfway lead - Estoril Open de Portugal 2007

Rookie Ross McGowan was the surprise second-round leader at the Portuguese Open on Friday after defying tough conditions to head fellow Briton Nick Dougherty by two strokes.

"This is new territory for me," the 24-year-old McGowan told reporters after shooting a three-under 68 for a six-under total of 136 at Oitavos.

"I have been ahead after 36 holes on the amateur scene but this is with the pros. I'm taking it one shot at a time."

The 2006 English amateur champion turned professional after failing to qualify from last November's European Tour school where he was dogged by a back injury.

Having turned down the chance to play in the Walker Cup, McGowan is hoping to play seven tour events by invitation and is taking full advantage of the second of them.

He shrugged off another trying day, officials cut the greens for the first time since Tuesday after the strong winds abated, but rounds still took over five hours.

Dougherty, who saved par from nine feet at the last hole for a 69, said he was determined to make up for losing out on the Singapore Masters title three weeks ago.

The 24-year-old Englishman looked certain to win in Singapore for a second time in three years but two double-bogeys late on meant he finished fourth.

"It was the best week of my life because I had come from the cut mark," said Dougherty. "Then I had an awful finish."

Briton Stephen Gallacher, nephew of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, had taken the early lead on Friday after birdies at two of the last three holes gave him a 71 for 139.

The Scot was later joined on three under by Frenchman Raphael Jacquelin (69), Sweden's Alex Noren (68) and British duo Benn Barham (67) and Graeme Storm (67).

Holder Paul Broadhurst of Britain, bidding to become only the sixth player on the tour to win an event three times in a row, was a further stroke back.

Barry Lane, whose victory hopes were wrecked at Oitavos in 2005 when he took a five-over-par nine at the 72nd hole, suffered another slump.

The experienced Briton dropped a flurry of late shots to slide to a 75 for 144.