SECOND-ROUND LEADERBOARD GB&Ire unless stated -10 P Broadhurst -9 D Fichardt (SA), MA Jimenez (Sp), J Edfors (Swe) -8 A Hansen (Den), G McDowell, G Murphy

The Englishman had seven birdies to end the second round on 10 under, one ahead of Miguel Angel Jimenez, Darren Fichardt and Johan Edfors.

Jimenez was four over after six holes on Thursday but a flawless 63 on the second day puts him in contention.

But Peter Baker missed the weekend cut and lost his Tour card after 19 years on the European circuit.

The former Ryder Cup player ended on eight over and will now finish outside the top 115 on the Order of Merit - the cut-off point for a guaranteed card next year.

The Englishman will now have to make his first ever trip to the qualifying school next month.

I'm here only to try to get competitive again ready for next season, but everything feels pretty good Jamie Donaldson

Jamie Spence, who is in 120th place on the money list, revived hopes of retaining his card after he fired a 66 to reach the halfway mark on five under.

But Simon Wakefield faces an anxious wait as he missed the cut by just one shot after finishing on level par. He is currently in 116th place.

Graeme McDowell is on eight under after a second-round 64, while Jamie Donaldson, in only his second tournament after returning from a back problem, hit a 67 and is three off the lead.

"I've been seeing a team at a London spine clinic and hardly hit any balls during my time off," said Donaldson.

"I'm here only to try to get competitive again ready for next season, but everything feels pretty good."

Meanwhile, Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara just missed a European Tour record when he hit 28 for nine holes.

Lara birdied all but two holes on the inward nine to miss the record of 27 set by Jose Maria Canizares in 1978.

Robert Lee (twice), Joakim Haeggman and Simon Khan have all equalled the mark.