SECOND-ROUND LEADERBOARD:
-8 D Clarke (NI), P Hedblom (Swe) -7 O Henningsson (Swe), P Lawrie (Ire), B Dredge (Wal), K Ferrie (Sco), W Ormsby (Aus) -6 T Pilkadaris (Aus), S Dyson (Eng), ET Johansen (Nor), M Higley (Eng), P Lawrie (Sco), S Lowry (Ire), J Donaldson (Wal), P McGinley (Ire), D McGrane (Ire), C del Moral (Spa) Selected others: +2 JM Olazabal (Spa) +3 C Montgomerie (Sco)

Clarke came home in just 31 shots after an uneven outward half

Northern Ireland's Darren Clarke sank six birdies in a 67 to move into a share of the lead at the halfway stage of the KLM Open in the Netherlands.

The defending champion's three-under-par effort put him level with Swede Peter Hedblom (66) on eight under.

The trio finished one clear of Bradley Dredge, Peter Lawrie, Kenneth Ferrie, Oskar Henningsson and Wade Ormsby.

Ten players were two off the pace including England's Marcus Higley, who produced a course-record round of 63.

The Kennemer course is one of Clarke's favourites and he has his sights set on becoming the first player since Bob Byman of the United States in 1977-78 to retain the Dutch title.

"It sets up well for me and it's always nice to come back to a place where you've done well," said Clarke.

It was far from plain sailing on the front nine, however, as three birdies were balanced up by bogey fives at the 1st, 5th and 9th holes, but Clarke came home in just 31 shots to end the day on a high.

Lawrie reached 10 under with only three to play but a wayward tee-shot at the 7th - his 16th hole - cost him a bogey and he then took six at the par-four 9th after three-putting from 15 feet.

Higley, meanwhile, was delighted to see the work he has been doing on the mental side of his game with his girlfriend, who is studying psychology with the Open University course, pay off spectacularly.

"I've not been the most positive person - I always tend to look on the downside. But I'm slowly starting to believe in myself more," said the 34-year-old from Dorset.

"It's been tough this year to get into events and that's been very frustrating. But it's you own fault. Play better and you get into more."

It was not a happy day for Europe's Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie and former US Masters champion Jose Maria Olzabal, who both missed the cut.

Montgomerie's 67 was nine strokes better than his opening round effort but his three over par finish was four too high.

Olazabal carded a 72 to end on two over but he is again struggling with a rheumatic problem and admitted: "I can't put in the hours (of practice) that this game needs to be sharp.

"I didn't play well and my putting stroke is not there either."

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