Gallacher flying high in Spain

second eagle keeps scot in contention at the madrid masters

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Stephen Gallacher produced his second eagle in two days to bring himself within touching distance of the Madrid Masters leaders yesterday.

Gallacher carded a 3 at the 540yd seventh hole on his way to one of the best scores of the second round.

The Press and Journal columnist is just three shots off the lead going into today’s third round after a six-under-par 65 to add to his level par opening day score.

It could have been even better for the Scotsman, who dropped shots at his last two holes.

He and Aberdeen golfer Paul Lawrie will carry Scottish hopes this weekend as the only two survivors. Lawrie fired five consecutive birdies yesterday, starting at the fourth, to finish three under for the day and two under for the tournament.

Round of the day came from Charl Schwartzel who fired a flawless 64 to take a share of the lead.

But he revealed afterwards he was struggling with injury and illness and had considered withdrawing.

The South African was tied on nine under with Australian Marcus Fraser, who carded a 66, at the end of day two, giving the pair a two-shot lead over Swede Steven Jeppesen and Englishman Robert Rock, who posted 67 and 65 respectively.

Five players are three shots back on six under, including Spaniard Santiago Luna (68) and Italian Paolo Terreni (65), who has made only one cut in 19 previous attempts on the European Tour.

Schwartzel, out early off the 10th tee, had a run of three birdies from the 13th and then increased the pressure on the way back in with an eagle and two more birdies.

He briefly led at one point, capitalising on a slip-up from Fraser, who had a three-hole run of bogeys following a strong start, but recovered by picking up five shots on the back nine.

However, afterwards Schwartzel said he was glad to have completed his round, let alone be a co-leader.

“It’s funny because I was going to withdraw this morning, but I spoke to my dad and he told me to tee off and see how I feel,” he said.

“I’ve had a sore shoulder the last couple of days and I’ve been sick for a while. I’m taking antibiotics and I don’t feel that strong.

“I really didn’t feel good this morning, but I got a couple of birdies early on and felt a bit better. Then the sun came out and my shoulder warmed up and improved a lot.”

He added: “It was a really solid round. I played well and felt very comfortable.

“My swing’s been feeling good for a while now and this golf course suits my game.”