Defending champion Rhys Davies of Wales held the joint lead with Joost Luiten after carding a second-round 70 at the Hassan II Trophy on Friday.
Ireland’s Peter Lawrie had been three strokes clear overnight after carding an eight-under 64 at the Golf Du Palais Royal, but Davies reined him in as high winds affected proceedings at an event split between the Golf De L’Ocean and Golf Du Palais Royal courses for the first two days.
“I’m not feeling any pressure, despite being defending champion this week,” Davies said, while admitting the blustery conditions had made the going tough. “It’s a different golf course for one and I just feel very relaxed. I’m enjoying the pro-am format and I had a great partner today, Mazamischi Ito. He’s a great player and has a great future ahead of him in golf.”
Dutchman Luiten joined Davies on six-under after seven birdies made up for two double-bogeys and a bogey on the front nine as he hit 69.
“I was good on the back nine, with four birdies, so that kept me going,” he said, after the wind made his life difficult to begin with.
Finn Mikko Ilonen produced a fine 64 that included eight birdies to become one of nine players tied for third.
Among the group was Darren Clarke, whose round included four birdies and one bogey for a second straight 69, while Indian pair Jeev Milkha Singh, following a 70 with a 68, and Shiv Kapur, adding a 71 to a 67, were also in contention.
Lawrie, meanwhile, was unable to reproduce Thursday’s form as he followed up his opening 64 with a disappointing 76.
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