Gregory Bourdy takes two stroke advantage - Estoril Open de Portugal 2008

Frenchman Gregory Bourdy, who claimed his maiden victory at the Mallorca Classic in October, added a six-under-par 65 on Friday to his course record 63 to take the outright lead at the Portuguese Open.

Spain’s Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano was two strokes off the pace on 12-under 130 after firing a second-round 66.

Last week’s Andalucia Open champion Thomas Levet (64), bidding for back-to-back wins, further boosted the French challenge on 131 while Briton Simon Khan (67) was fourth on 132.

Another Frenchman, former Portuguese Open champion Jean-Francois Remesy, tied the course record set by first-round leaders Bourdy and holder Pablo Martin of Spain to share fifth place on 133 with British trio Steve Webster, Simon Dyson and Oliver Fisher.

Martin stalled with a 71 for 134 as Bourdy led a French title charge.

“I’ve known Gregory for a long time,” former Ryder Cup player Levet told reporters.

“He played with me in the Lancome Trophy pro-am 11 years or so ago when he was about 13, one of the young amateur champions in France, and I was his pro.

“I was outdriving him by 50 yards then and now he’s longer.”

Bourdy, who has not dropped a shot to date, has taken only 49 putts in the first two rounds (24-25) and is relishing a battle with Levet.

“It would be very special,” said Bourdy. “I was there to congratulate him last week and it would be nice to have it the other way round this week.

“I remember playing with him at St Nom la Breteche all those years ago and that’s what makes it even more special.”

Levet’s hot-putting round included a huge 35-yarder for eagle at the 16th.

“It was my second longest career putt,” said the 39-year-old. “I holed from 42 yards at the fifth at St Andrews in practice for the 1992 Dunhill Cup.”

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