US TOUR: Darren Clarke made a welcome return to form when shooting a second-round four-under-par 68 at the Buick Open yesterday.

Clarke, after a first-round 73, is on three-under-par 141, six behind early pacesetters Rocco Mediate, Scott Verplank and Brian Bateman.

Verplank, who won the Buick Open 19 years ago, moved into contention for a second title, battling to a three-under 69 at the Warwick Hills Golf Club.

Mediate began the day with a one-shot cushion after firing a bogey-free opening round of eight-under 64 but the 2000 Buick winner could not come close to matching that effort, struggling to a 71 to reach the midway point at nine-under 135.

Bateman, chasing his first career PGA Tour title, moved into contention with a two-under 70 as scoring conditions toughened.

Lurking one stroke back at eight-under 136 on a crowded leaderboard are Americans Lucas Glover and Brett Quigley and Australia's Steve Elkington.

Glover carded a four-under 68 for the second consecutive day while Elkington was in the clubhouse with a two-under 70.

LET TOUR:Australians Cherie Byrnes and Lisa Jean shared the lead along with France's Jade Schaeffer after the first round of the Ladies Open de Portugal on the Algarve.

The trio shot four-under-par 68s at the Gramacho Pestana Golf Resort near Carvoeiro to lead by one stroke from seven players. Rebecca Coakley shot 71, Martina Gillen 72 and Claire Coughlan 77.

CHALLENGE TOUR: Former Ryder Cup player Peter Baker continued to prove he was back in the groove when he carved himself a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Estoril Challenge de Portugal.

Baker added a 66 to his opening 65 for an 11-under-par total of 131 and a three-shot lead over his English compatriot Robert Coles.