Marcel Siem picked up three shots in his last three holes to snatch the halfway lead at the Irish Open presented by Discover Ireland.The German, who won his only European Tour title in 2004, fired a second consecutive 66 to be ten under par at Killarney Golf & Fishing Club.
First round leader Jeev Milkha Singh and Danish Ryder Cup star Søren Hansen are a shot further back, with Spain’s Ignacio Garrido fourth on eight under.
Late in the day Siem eagled the long 16th and sank a 25 foot birdie putt on the next to move one ahead of Singh and Hansen.
While two of Ireland's four Major Champions will not be around for the weekend after Clarke and Padraig Harrington both missed the cut, Graeme McDowell and Rory McIlroy will spearhead the Irish challenge after rounds of 66 and 68 respectively.
Rory said: “I'm only six back going into the weekend so I have a great chance – we all know how much can happen in 36 holes so if I can get out there on Saturday and make a good start I really feel like I can post a number. To play in front of these crowds is phenomenal and that's one of the great things about the Irish Open, the crowds turn up in force, and it's really a great atmosphere to play in.”
McDowell posted six birdies in his round to join his compatriot on four under par, six shots behind Siem. “The event has got exactly what it needs," he said. "It's got some sunshine, a great venue and massive crowds. Of course we are disappointed that Pádraig and Darren are not here for the weekend but myself, Rory and the rest of the Irish boys will try and make a great weekend of it and see if we can get a home winner.”
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Bryan Angus also on twitter@mummmbles
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