Darren Clarke played his way back into contention after firing a second round 66 in the Benmore Developments Northern Ireland Masters at Clandeboye.
The big Dungannonman made a disappointing start with a one over 72 yesterday, a score which left him eight shots adrift of overnight leader Jon Lupton from England.
Clarke, the pre-tournament favourite for the inaugural Challenge Tour event, teed off at the 10th and soon notched up his first birdie at the 11th before adding another at the 17th.
The Ryder Cup star's only dropped shot came at the fourth but that was soon rectified with four birdies in his last five holes as he climbed to four under for the tournament.
That leaves Clarke and fellow Ulsterman Graeme McDowell, who is also four under after a second consecutive 69, six shots behind the early pace-setter, Sweden's Michael Jonzon (63) who currently leads on 10 under.
Michael Hoey and David Jones were next of the home players on two under after both had played three holes.
Clarke and McDowell opted to play in the Stg£150,000 event in support of their management company International Sports Management (ISM), who organised and brought the tournament to Northern Ireland.