Linhart fires 64 to take lead

Pedro Linhart of Spain overcame a rain-soaked course Friday and fired an 8-under-par 64 to take the 36-hole lead in the Madeira Island Open. He finished his two rounds with a 134 total.

Linhart had eight birdies, six in eight holes on the back nine, and highlighted his day by rolling in an 80-foot putt at the sixth.

He was in the half of the field that was on the course when rain and darkness cut short first-round play on Thursday, and he was rained on again Friday.

" I played 28 holes today and got the worst of the weather this morning. But the second round has to be one of my best. " Linhart said.

A 36 year-old born in the Canary Islands to American parents, Linhart became a Spanish citizen more than ten years ago and is still looking for his first victory on the European PGA Tour.

He finished his second round four shots ahead of Spaniard Diego Borrego, who had a second-round 67 for 138.

Half the 150-man field will complete their second rounds Saturday.

England's David Howell, the current European money-winning leader, shot a 72 to share third place at 140 with South African Retief Goosen, who had a 69, and England's John Bickerton who shot 71.