EUROPEAN TOUR:DAMIEN McGRANE yesterday tapped into the sort of form which earned him his maiden European Tour win in China last year and his second round 68 gave the Meath pro a share of the lead at the halfway stage of the €1.4 million Johnnie Walker Classic in Perth, Australia.

The 37-year-old had an eventful outward half at the Vines Country Club. A birdie at the second was followed by an eagle two at the eighth, but he gave that back immediately with a double bogey at the ninth.

He dropped another shot at the 10th, before reeling off four birdies in the last seven holes, including a four at the last.

“I played better off the tee today and hit more fairways, which was helpful,” said McGrane, who joined last week’s Malaysian Open winner, Anthony Kang, at the top of the leaderboard on 10-under.

The American carded a second consecutive 67.

“I’m putting quite nicely again today,” added McGrane. “I played solid overall and bounced back well from those mistakes at the ninth and 10th to shoot four under.

“After a bit of a shake in the middle it was nice to bounce back with three birdies in a row, and I could have birdied a lot more holes.”

McGrane’s recent run of form shows how fickle life can be on tour. Last year’s Volvo China Open winner finished fourth in the Qatar Masters several weeks ago, but missed the cut in Dubai and again last week.

Peter Lawrie is also well-placed to challenge as the Dubliner moved to seven under after a 70. The 2008 Spanish Open champion is one of 13 tied 15th, including Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie (70) and Ian Poulter (69).

Gareth Maybin is a shot further back on six under after he too shot 70. But Gary Murphy will miss the weekend, as 71 left him on level par, three shots outside the cut.