Price leads Hassan II Trophy on windy Day 2, Manassero five behind

Phillip Price of Wales shot a 6-under 66 Friday to lead the Hassan II Trophy on the European Tour by a stroke after strong wind and thunder delayed the start of the second round by 5 1/2 hours.

Price’s last victory came at the 2003 European Open in Ireland.

He had six birdies for the day, making three straight starting with his sixth hole, and was at 10-under 134. Spain’s Jose Manuel Lara was at 9 under after a 65. Sweden’s Joakim Sjolholm had a 66, leaving him at 8 under.

Matteo Manassero kept alive his hopes of qualifying for the Masters after a 70 put him at 5 under. The 18-year-old Italian must win this week event to have any chance of getting back to Augusta National. He was low amateur in 2010.

Price had been due to tee off in the first group at 7:30 a.m. but play did not begin until 1:00 p.m. He ended his round 20 minutes before first-round leader Damien McGrane began. McGrane finished just five holes when poor light halted play. He stayed at 7 under.

“I was very surprised by how calm it became throughout the day after this morning,” Price said. “It was really windy when we started, so to go out there and shoot 6 under is really pleasing.”

Price woke up at 5:25 a.m. for his early tee time. He was unable to begin three times because of wind of about 30 mph.

“It was very frustrating to go to the tee three times and not be allowed to tee off because it is difficult to get yourself in the right mood and then be called off,” he said.