EUROPEAN TOUR:It was a case of 'Home Sweet Home' yesterday as Sergio Garcia took a giant stride towards his first victory for almost three years.

Competing on the Mediterraneo course in Castellon he has known since he was a child, the 31-year-old Spaniard fired an eight-under-par 63 to charge into the lead at the Castello Masters.

It took him to 12 under par at halfway – two ahead of Swede Alex Noren, who was also round in 63 as he seeks a third win of the season.

As they were flying through the field, however, Britain’s new star Tom Lewis was flying home after quitting before the second round because of a virus.

Damien McGrane was best of the Irish on three under after a 70, with Michael Hoey on one under following a 74. A birdie on the eighth, his 17th, helped Peter Lawrie make the cut on the mark, a 69 leaving him on level par.

Gareth Maybin and Shane Lowry both missed out on the weekend action.

US TOUR: Webb Simpson drew level with Luke Donald at the Disney Classic in Florida to keep one hand firmly on the USPGA Tour money list.

Donald needs to finish in the top two to have a chance of overhauling the American, but his first target will be to get ahead of him after he could only manage a one-under-par 71 to finish the second round on seven under.

Playing partner Simpson fired five birdies and and two bogeys in a three-under 69 to move alongside the Englishman.

Former British Open champion Justin Leonard (63) and South Korean Bio Kim (65) held the early clubhouse lead in Lake Buena Vista on 12 under.