American Uihlein snatches lead in Spain

VALENCIA, Spain (AFP) –

Peter Uihlein hits a drive on March 8, 2013 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. Uihlein snatched the halfway lead at the Spanish Open by one shot after Friday’s second round, the 23-year-old holing out with a birdie for a 68 and a six under par total of 138.

Former US amateur champion Peter Uihlein snatched the halfway lead at the Spanish Open by one shot after Friday’s second round, the 23-year-old holing out with a birdie for a 68 and a six under par total of 138.

In a three-way tie for second are Chilean Felipe Aguilar, France’s Raphael Jacquelin, who shot a superb 66, and Swede Rikard Karlberg, this trio on five under 139 at the Parador de El Saler course.

Jacquelin was all smiles after putting together the round of the day with seven birdies, saying: “I am very pleased with the way I played.

“I have been patient and it paid today; that’s the game of golf. I am very pleased six under, especially on this course – which is not easy.”

Aguilar, who is aiming for only his second European Tour win and first since 2008, had a share of the overnight lead.

He carded a 71, picking up his lone birdie on the par five third.

Home favourite Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano, following last week’s impressive effort at the Masters in Augusta when he finished 10 shots off the pace, shot a disappointing 73 to be placed two under overall.

“I didn’t play as good as yesterday but overall I’m in a good position for the weekend,” he said.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, playing his 599th tour event on his return to action after breaking his leg skiing in December, could only add a 74 to his opening 76 to miss the cut, while defending champion Francesco Molinari – suffering from a back injury – also bowed out after finishing seven over.