Mikko Ilonen storms into lead in the Algarve
Finland’s Mikko Ilonen has taken the clubhouse lead at the Portugal Masters after a four under par 68 propelled him to the top.
But Ilonen’s time at the top could be short lived if Maarten Lafeber can hit level par in his last six holes. The Dutchmen, currently out on course, is on pace to take a three shot clubhouse lead at the end of round two.
Robert Karlsson, a 10-time winner on the European Tour, looked in good position to take the lead from Ilonen earlier in the day reaching 11-under at one point but later faltered dropping back to nine-under after 15.
“I think I ended up having about 32 putts today, hit 17 greens,” said Ilonen on the European Tour website.
“I did hole some good putts yesterday, so that was the difference today, three shots. But I'm quite happy how I played today - so still a good score.”
A former Indonesia Open and Scandinavian Masters winner Ilonen hit four birdies to add to his opening round of 65.
Ryder Cup winner and cult hero Miguel Angel Jimenez went one shot better in his second round finishing on five-under tying for 40th place with fellow Ryder Cup winner Edoardo Molinari.
On the PGA tour, Rickie Fowler the favourite for the Frys.com Open struggled to make an impact shooting 2-under in his first round. He currently sits seven shots off the lead.
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