Day two digest: 2021 ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management

Everything you need to know from Friday in Northern Ireland.

Hillier hit the front, Talley set up a familiar duel, Norrman was in safe hands and we were playing chase the ace on day three of the 2021 ISPS HANDA World Invitational presented by Modest! Golf Management.

Here is everything you need to know from the second round in Ballymena.

Hillier hits the heights

World Number 678 Daniel Hillier has no playing privileges on either the European or Challenge Tours but you would not have known it on Friday. The Kiwi, who enjoyed an excellent amateur career and has three professional wins on his native Charles Tour, carded a brilliant 62 to get to 11 under and lead the way by one from England's Jordan Smith. "I've been playing well the last couple of months, just haven't really put four rounds together yet," he said. "In a pretty good position at the moment so just going to keep riding the wave and stick to the game plan and see how we go."

Talley set for very familiar draw in round three

Emma Talley has been the star of the week so far, moving to 13 under in the women's event to lead by three after 36 holes. One of those chasing her is Jennifer Kupcho, who has Talley's boyfriend Patrick caddying for her. They will be all business when they go out together on Saturday, but Talley admits she may be winding up her rival's bagman on the side. "I always play well when Patrick is around," she said. "Even though he may be trying to beat me the next few days, it'll be kind of nice to at least tomorrow to be paired together. I love it. It's fun. Patrick, he's not like me. I'm a bit more... y'all know how I am; I'm wild. I like to try to embarrass him and stuff, so he'll be pretty serious out there. But I know I'll probably get a couple of thumbs up and I'll try to bug him a little bit when he's not working."

Chase the ace

Scotland's Michele Thomson carded a brilliant hole-in-one at the par three 14th at Massereene Golf Club for the first ace of the week.

And Marcus Armitage almost made it two.

Norrman learning from the expert

Vincent Norrman has made a spectacular start as a professional on the European Tour, claiming two top tens in three events and he heads into the weekend here just five off the lead. As a 23-year-old currently operating without a coach he, like anyone else would, is seeking some help as he makes his way in the game and that help has come in the shape of Kristoffer Broberg, a European Tour winner with over 150 events under his belt. "He's taught me a lot about my swing and other good stuff too," said Norrman. "I don't have a coach with me for the first weeks I've been out here so he's spent some time me on the range as well. He's been very important. He means a lot to me."

Fancy a chip-in?

Of course you do!