McGowan takes charge in Portugal

McGowan is playing on a sponsor's invitation

R2 LEADERBOARD:
(GB unless stated)
-6 R McGowan
-4 N Dougherty
-3 S Gallacher, R Jacquelin (Fra), A Noren (Swe), B Barham, G Storm
Selected others:
-2 P Broadhurst, R Bland
-1 S Dyson, S Khan, E Little

England's Ross McGowan, playing only his second European Tour event, took a two-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Portuguese Open.

The 24-year-old, last year's English amateur champion and a professional for only four months, leads compatriot Nick Dougherty after a second successive 68.

Paul Broadhurst remained in contention for his third consecutive Portugal title with a 71 to be four shots back.

But first-round leader Simon Dyson slipped back with a three-over-par 74.

South African Louis Oosthuizen, who had been in joint-second place after the opening round, had a disastrous 81, including a triple bogey seven at the second, and will miss the cut.

This is new territory for me, so we will see how it goes Ross McGowan

Broadhurst would emulate Ian Woosnam, Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Tiger Woods if he could win the same tournament for a third year in a row.

McGowan is playing on a sponsor's invitation, having failed to win a Tour card at last November's qualifying school.

If he triumphs on Sunday, however, he will not only be £142,000 richer, but will be exempt for the rest of this season and the next two years.

"This is new territory for me, so we will see how it goes," he said.

"On the amateur scene I had the lead after 36 holes, but it's different with the pros."

During the winter he actually shared the lead twice with nine holes to play in South Africa, but finished only seventh and 11th.