Bennett's unlucky 13

Warren Bennett is encouraged by his form

Colin Moffat BBC Sport Online at Loch Lomond

Warren Bennett was cursing unlucky 13 and left ruing his luck after posting a second-round 70 at the Scottish Open to leave him handily placed at five-under-par for the tournament.

Despite heading a host of big names on the leaderboard, the tall Englishman was frustrated that a round that promised much more had come unstuck at the thirteenth with a triple bogey eight.

Enjoying the early morning conditions with barely a ripple on a sun-drenched Loch Lomond, Bennett carded three birdies to lead the field on seven under par before reaching the par-five Gallow's Hill.

Well placed after a good drive, the 30-year-old elected to go for the small green in two and found trouble.

One bad shot and this course can really bite you

Warren Bennett

"I only missed by a yard or two," lamented Bennett.

"But hit one bad shot and this course can really bite you. You have to keep on your toes.

"It was unplayable at the back of the green. It was plugged, so I was lucky and got a drop, but I had the worst lie ever, duffed my chip and three putted - thank you very much."

Bennett rallied immediately, rolling in a monster putt at the next for birdie but suffered at the par three seventeenth, where he found sand from the tee and left himself with too much to do.

Live: Scottish Open

Once again, he dug in and had the crowds cheering his fifth birdie of the day at the last.

"I shot 70, but it could easily have been a 65," continued Bennett.

"But I'm pleased with the way I'm playing and it's encouraging for the weekend."

Having ensured his place in the field over the weekend, Bennett revealed that he would not be leaving for Open qualifying.

It would be nice to be back at the Open

Warren Bennett

"I've got to make the best of this opportunity," he said.

"I haven't played in the Open for three years and it would be nice to be back there."

Of the other early starters, Peter Hanson did most to impress with a week's best-equaling score of 65.

The Swede hit six birdies on the back nine to sit at one-under-par for the event.

Welshman Mark Pilkington also enjoyed a good morning, carding a 67 to move himself to four under par.

Completing an in-form playing group alongside Hanson and Pilkington was Tim Clark.

The South African, who will be featuring at Muirfield next week, shot a 68 to leave himself at three under par for the tournament.