European Tour rookie Matthew Nixon claimed the clubhouse lead midway through day two at the Iberdrola Open in Mallorca, but it could have been better without a double bogey at the last.
The 21 year old Englishman, who was the only amateur to secure a card at last year's Qualifying School Final Stage, shot a level par 70 to sit two behind overnight leader Gregory Bourdy on five under overall.
Nixon claimed six birdies but was hampered by two bogeys and, most harmfully, two doubles at the par four third and par three 18th, the latter after hitting his tee shot into a bunker and three putting.
Nixon achieved the best result of his fledgling professional career in Spain, finishing 11th at the Open de Andalucía in March.
"I think I'll be more dwelling in the fact that I am playing well and have a great chance over the weekend having missed the last two cuts," said Nixon when asked about his finish.
"I just have to go out there and give it 100 per cent and see what happens. There are scores to be made out there but if you hit a couple of lose ones then you can make a big number so hopefully I can keep it going and keep the mistakes off the card.
"There is work to do over the weekend and some great players in the field so I will keep my head down and see what it brings over the next couple of days."
Many of the leaders were just getting their rounds under way, including Bourdy who was level after one.
Big movers included Thomas Levet, whose round of 65 took him into a share of fifth at four under, and Ireland's Simon Thornton, one shot back on the Frenchman after also carding a five under second round.
Among those also in contention who were just getting under way was Darren Clarke, who was five under overnight.
Bourdy - a winner at Pula GC four years ago - was unable to continue his magnificent first round form and dropped three shots in an outward 38.
That allowed England's Chris Wood, still seeking his first European Tour title, to move into the lead with two birdies in his first seven holes taking him to six under.
Bourdy was tied for third with compatriot Levet and Scotland's Scott Jamieson on four under.
