Defending champion Thriston Lawrence has seized a two-shot advantage at the halfway stage of the Omega European Masters, firing a remarkable seven-under 63 in Switzerland.
The South African, who is aiming to join the late Seve Ballesteros as the only player to win the event three times since its inception on the DP World Tour in 1972, produced a stunning run of six consecutive birdies.
Lawrence carded six birdies and an eagle on his front nine to reach 13 under par. His round included highlights such as draining a putt from over 40 feet and holing out from off the green, before saving par with a chip shot from a bunker on the par-five second-to-last hole.
Germany’s Jeremy Paul and Spain’s Ignacio Elvira sit level at 11 under par, six shots behind. Elvira recorded the tournament’s lowest round of the day, a 62, while Paul carded a 64 featuring an eagle and five birdies on the back nine.
Japan’s Keita Nakajima follows in fourth at 10 under, with England’s Paul Casey sharing fifth place alongside two others on nine under.
Englishman Harry Hall began the second round strongly with five front-nine birdies to reach 10 under, but a hip injury hindered his back nine, leaving him at seven under.
Lawrence reflected on his consistent form this season: ‘I’ve played well all year. I’ve just been unfortunate so many times… mentally, I’m in a much better space.’ He added that returning to a course he loves provides extra confidence as he targets a third title here, having previously won in 2022 and last season.
Round three begins Saturday, with Sky Sports Golf providing live coverage.
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