SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD GB&Ire unless stated -5 Stephen Dodd -4 Nick Dougherty, Bradley Dredge, Pelle Edberg (Swe), David Howell -3 Philip Golding, Paul McGinley (Irl) Selected others: Level Colin Montgomerie, Lee Westwood +1 Darren Clarke (Nrl), Padraig Harrington (Irl)

The 38-year-old's two-under 70 saw him move ahead of fellow Welshman Bradley Dredge, English duo David Howell and Nick Dougherty and Swede Pelle Edberg.

Course designer Colin Montgomerie could only manage a 73 and is level par with Lee Westwood, who shot a 74.

Padraig Harrington and Darren Clarke are both one over, with Clarke carding two double bogeys and an eagle in a 75.

With a win at the Asian Open at the end of last year, Dodd is continuing to enjoy the best season of his golfing career.

If you win a tournament, it gives you belief you can win again Stephen Dodd

He was 229th in the world when he won in Shanghai, but is now 103rd and could yet qualify for next month's US Open as well.

"It's been a great six months," said Dodd, who was also pipped by world number three Ernie Els for the Dubai Desert Classic title in early March.

"If you win a tournament, it gives you belief you can win again, and that's what has happened to me over the last six months.

"I think I do things in a more confident manner now."

Howell, beaten by Thomas Bjorn in a play-off for the British Masters on Sunday, had four birdies in five holes to post a four-under total of 140.

Dougherty, who shared the overnight lead with Klas Eriksson after his opening 68, was quite happy to settle for a second-round 72.

"It was cold and it was raining and with a stronger wind as well there were a lot of long clubs into holes," said the Liverpuddlian 22-year-old.

Ireland's Paul McGinley is one shot back on three under after a 69 that included seven birdies.