Defending
champion Miguel Jimenez warmed up for his Ryder Cup debut next week with a second
round seven-under-par 64 to take a three-shot lead in the Lancome Trophy on Friday.
The 35-year-old
Spaniard, non-playing vice-captain to Severiano Ballesteros two years ago when
Europe beat America at Valderrama, won here last year when he chipped in to beat,
among others, high-flying Americans Mark O'Meara and David Duval.
Eight birdies and only one bogey on Friday set up a chance of back-to-back victories
as he coasted to 10-under-par 132, three strokes ahead of England's Gary Evans,
who matched Jiminez's 64.
European number one Colin Montgomerie, seeking a sixth win of the year to extend
his lead on top of the order of merit, looked as though he would share second
place until a final hole mishap.
Having waited on the tee at the short 18th for 15 minutes, Montgomerie, who had
missed a series of small putts during the round, sent his ball into the greenside
pond and did well to only bogey for a 70 to be four off the lead.
On a good day for Europe's Ryder Cup men before they tackle the Americans next
week in Massachusetts, another debutant, Swede Jarmo Sandelin, shot 66 to share
third.
Spain's
Santiago Luna and Michael Campbell of New Zealand are also four off the lead.
There was further
encouragement for Europe's captain Mark James as U.S. Masters champion Jose Maria
Olazabal showed good form for the first time in three months. The Spaniard lies
six off the lead with another Ryder Cup rookie, Frenchman Jean Van de Velde.
With British Open champion Paul Lawrie eight off the pace, only one European Cup
man missed the cut, wild-card Scot, Andrew Coltart.
He had taken two weeks off for the birth of his first child, and missed the cut
by four strokes.
Leader Jimenez recognised the value of gaining confidence from playing a course
where he had won so well last year against a world-class field and where his career
took an upward turn.
"Obviously
I came here knowing that this was where it all happened for me," said the Spaniard.
"And you must get confidence from that.
"The
win gave me confidence last year, too, set me on my way so I could go on and find
more success to get my Ryder Cup place.
"Being
with Seve two years ago as his vice-captain is going to help me next week.
"I won't feel so much like
a rookie. I learned you have to keep a fresh mind at all times but most of all
be patient. I'm taking those thoughts with me next week, just as I am this weekend."
