Angel Cabrera, looking to emulate fellow Argentine Eduardo Romero’s 2002 Scottish Open win, moved into a one-stroke lead at the end of Friday’s second round.
The 2007 U.S. Open champion carded a three-under-par 68 for a nine-under aggregate of 133, one ahead of Ireland’s Damien McGrane (66) at a wet Loch Lomond.
Sharing third place on 135 were Dane Thomas Bjorn, Australian Richard Green, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and British pair Paul Lawrie and Simon Khan after a day featuring occasional sunshine mixed with spells of driving rain.
The shot of the day belonged to world number two Phil Mickelson, who was beaten in a playoff here last year by Frenchman Gregory Havret.
The American left-hander recorded a hole-in-one at the 198-yard, par-three fifth on his way to a 67 for 138, the same mark as twice former winner Ernie Els (66).
“I wasn’t doing much to that point,” Mickelson told reporters. “I couldn’t see the ball go in the hole, it was over the ridge and I thought it was going to be close.
“All of a sudden everybody jumped up behind the green and it took me a second to realise it had gone in. It was a great feeling.”
Mickelson ended five strokes adrift of leader Cabrera, who would have been a further shot clear of the field but for a disappointing bogey five at the 18th.
“The end was a bit of a shame but it was a good round and I feel I am in a good position,” said the big-hitting Argentine.
Cabrera would love to repeat Romero’s win six years ago.
“It would be a great thing for me and a great thing for my country,” said the 38-year-old after reeling off four birdies in his first six holes.
McGrane’s sudden resurgence of form came right out of the blue.
The Irishman has had a wretched time since clinching his first European Tour victory at the China Open in April, missing six cuts in seven tournaments after his win in Beijing.
“My golf has been very average the last few weeks and I am glad to be back with a good rub of the green,” said McGrane.
Australian Matthew Millar fired a 64, the best round of the day, to join a host of players on 136. Compatriot Adam Scott, the world number three, was on 138 after a 66.
Former Scottish Open winner Bjorn and 1999 British Open champion Lawrie rolled back the years to move into contention.
Bjorn was a relieved man after overcoming every golfer’s nightmare, the putting yips.
“I couldn’t get the ball to the hole from two feet six weeks ago and now I’m holing putts again,” he said.
Among the casualties of the cut were eight times European number one Colin Montgomerie and fellow Briton Darren Clarke.
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