NEWS

Thomas Bjorn and Stephen Gallacher tied for lead at European Masters

By Bernie McGuire
Published on
Thomas Bjorn and Stephen Gallacher tied for lead at European Masters

CRANS-SUR-SIERRE, Switzerland – Stephen Gallacher of Scotland shot a 6-under 65 on Friday to share a one-shot lead with Thomas Bjorn after the second round of the Omega European Masters.

Bjorn, the 2011 champion from Denmark, shot a second straight 66 to sit level with Gallacher at 10-under 132 on a low-scoring day in the Swiss Alps sunshine. 

Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain joined a five-way tie for third on 9 under, shooting a 68 that included five birdies in a six-hole homeward stretch. 

Danny Willett was also in that group after shooting the day's best round of 64, including an eagle 3 at the par-5 first hole, five birdies and no dropped shots. His fellow Englishmen Tommy Fleetwood and Richard Finch, plus Victor Dubuisson of France, also trailed Gallacher and Bjorn by one shot. 

Overnight leader Anirban Lahiri of India, Paul Casey of England and 23-year-old American Brooks Koepka were among five players on 8 under. 

Lahiri followed his 63 with a level-par 71 that included a double bogey at the par-3 16th. 

Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington of Ireland fired a 65 to be 7 under, three shots off the lead. 

Defending champion Richie Ramsay of Scotland missed the cut after a level-par 71 left him at 2 over. The cut was projected at 1 under. 

Thirteen-year-old Chinese player Ye Wo-cheng improved on his opening 78 with a 76 Friday for a 12-over finish in his second European Tour event. The Swiss tournament is co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.