WALES SENIORS OPEN - SECOND ROUND LEADERBOARD
(GB & Ire unless stated)
-2 B Smit (RSA), J Bruner (USA), I Woosnam -1 D Merriman (Aus), D Smyth Par B Lincoln (RSA), R Drummond
Selected others: +2 G Brand, C Mason +5 B Cameron

Ian Woosnam came from behind to win the Irish Seniors two weeks ago

Ian Woosnam rolled back the years and is well placed for a home win at the Wales Seniors Open after firing a 67 to enjoy a three-way share of the lead.

Woosnam surged through the Royal Porthcawl field thanks to a flawless back nine, consisting of four birdies.

The former world number is joined on two under par alongside American Jerry Bruner and South African Bertus Smit.

Woosnam said: "It would be great to win on home soil. I've won twice in Wales so it would be nice to do it again."

The 1991 Masters champion began the second round six shots adrift of overnight leader Bob Cameron at his home event.

Woosnam has history of great comebacks on the seniors tour as the Welshman made up six shots on the final day to win the Irish Seniors Open two weeks ago.

The 51-year-old won the British Masters in 1983 and the Epson Grand Prix in 1990 at St Pierre near Chepstow during his time on the European Tour.

606: DEBATE Could Ian Woosnam win his home tournament in Wales?

Woosnam enjoyed seven birdies and suffered two bogeys in the second round but his superb 67 means he will start in the Wales Seniors Open final group for the second year running.

And the victorious 2006 European Ryder Cup captain is determined to go one better than last year when he finished runner up to Peter Mitchell.

"I came close last year so I'll see if I can pull it off on Sunday," said Woosnam.

"It's great to be in the last group tomorrow again. I'm looking forward to it.

"I've just got to keep it in the fairways and battle hard - that's what I did today.

"I basically got off to a good start today with a birdie on the first and then played defensively and took two bogeys on the next two holes.

"I just scrambled around pretty well for the first nine in one under par and then on the back nine I didn't do too much different but I had 10 putts. That's what you have to do in these conditions.

"When I had an opportunity to make a birdie, I made a birdie. When I needed to get it up and down, I got it up and down.

"It was a great chip in on 13. I hit some nice shots from the eighth onwards after that I hit some bunkers but I managed to chip and putted well."

In contrast Smit's round was built on a fine front nine where he recovered from a bogey on the second with four birdies in a row from the third hole to go out in 32 before eventually signing for a round of 68.

"It will be fun but a little bit nerve racking because I haven't played with Woosie yet," said the 56 year old.

"The first time I played with Sam Torrance was similar but I did quite well then, although Woosie is on quite a run."

Ireland's Des Smyth, an assistant captain to Woosnam in The Ryder Cup at The K Club two years ago, is one stroke behind the leaders on one under par after a 69 as is Australian David Merriman.

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