Pedro Linhart of Spain had to wait almost 24 hours for confirmation that he would lead the Madeira Island Open at the halfway stage at Santo da Serra.
Linhart, who soared to 10 under par with a second round of 64 on Friday afternoon for a total of 134, sat back and awaited the completion of the weather-delayed round on Saturday morning.
Despite the best efforts of several players, no-one succeeded in getting close to the man from Marbella, as he took a four shot lead into the third round.
Lying tied for second are another Spaniard, Diego Borrego, who also finished his second round at the same time as Linhart, Yorkshire’s Stephen Field and Raphael Jacquelin of France.
Field finished with a second round 68 for 138, the same score as Jacquelin, who came home in 32 on a much improved day high in the Madeira mountains for a share of second on the same total.
On five under par are Scotland’s Ross Drummond, winner of the Qualifying School last November, and young Swede Christopher Hanell. Both players added 71s to their opening 68s.
A total of 78 players on 147 and better made the halfway cut.
