Golf:Refreshed and reinvigorated after his month long hiatus, Graeme McDowell continued to make progress in the Austrian Open. A run of four birdies in his first six holes helped the US Open champion record a round of 68 which was good enough for a share of the clubhouse lead on seven under par.
Playing his last competitive event before a second appearance at the Ryder Cup, McDowell raced out of the blocks early this morning. Starting on the back nine, birdies at the 10th, 13th, 14th and 15th swiftly bridged the gap on the overnight leaders.
A bogey at the 17th was followed by another birdie at the next and, turning onto the more difficult front nine at the Diamond Country Club, the Portrush star parred his way home to set the clubhouse target alongside José Manuel Lara.
"It's very much the old cliché of a game of two halves, this golf course," said McDowell after his round. "This front nine's quite tricky and you've got to drive the ball unbelievably well to have any chance of making birdies. On the back nine it's a lot more three woods and hybrids off the tees which offers you a few more opportunities and I think the greens are a little flatter as well.
"I think I'm two over par for the front nine and nine under par for the back nine overall so I certainly know where I need to make up some shots on the weekend."
England's Danny Willett is a shot further back on six under after a second consecutive 69, along with Swede Pelle Edberg and local amateur Matthias Schwab.
Simon Thornton was again heading in the right direction as he bids to keep hold of his tour card. After 12 holes, Thornton had picked up another stroke to reach four under. Having started the week in 145th place on The Race to Dubai standings, Thornton desperately needs a good result to help him climb into the top 115 over the next two months.
Damien McGrane was unable to follow up yesterday's round of 67 and limped around in 76 for a one under total, while Gary Murphy continues to struggle with his game and approached the turn on four over.
Overnight leader George Coetzee started with a birdie at the first to reach eight under, but a double bogey at the second saw the South African six under after five holes.