Wilson defies injury at Baltray

Oliver Wilson currently lies sixth in the season-long Race to Dubai

Oliver Wilson came through the pain barrier to share the second round lead alongside Nottinghamshire mate Lee Westwood in the Irish Open at Baltray.

Mansfield-based Wilson was close to pulling out in County Louth because of an ongoing neck problem.

But he made light of it, following a first-day six-under 66 with a four-under 68 to lead on 10-under.

That was matched by Westwood, who hit a 66 to follow his first-day 68, tieing Johan Edfors and Soren Kjeldsen on 134.

Westwood's second round 66 was set up by a front-nine 31, one better than Wilson the previous day.

But, although Westwood then birdied 14 and the long 18th, he also dropped shots at 15 and 16 to come home in level-par 35.

Wilson's first-day 66 was built on a hot streak that saw him five under after his first six holes.

After opening with two birdies, he then eagled the long third, picked up another birdie at the sixth to go out in 32.

"I was a bit frustrated walking off the course as I'd been five under through six and would have liked to pick up more than just one from there.

I believe Padraig Harrington had the same issue so maybe I need to have a word with him

Oliver Wilson on his neck problem

He eventually added one more at the 16th, and proved in just as solid form on day two.

He went to the top of the leaderboard thanks to another hot run of four birdies in six holes. And, although there were also three bogeys in there to balance the three other birdies he picked up, he admits that he nearly was not there at all.

"But, two days ago, I was thinking 'Here we go again, I've got to pull out of another one.

"I came for a practice round on Tuesday, went on the range and hit a few wedges, working up to six iron, but when I got to six iron I realised I could not really play.

"I had some physio though and the guys in the van did a good job. I woke up Wednesday, played the pro-am and was fine.

"It's not affecting the golf and that's all that matters.

"I keep being told it's the way I sleep but it's hard to change your sleeping pattern.

"I believe Padraig Harrington had the same issue so maybe I need to have a word with him."