Jamie Donaldson retained a slender advantage in the D+D REAL Czech Masters despite a disappointing finish to his second round at Albatross Golf Resort.
The Welshman, who can seal a Ryder Cup debut next month with a top-seven finish in Prague, started the day with a one shot lead following an opening six under par 66.
Four birdies in six holes on the way in suggested the 38 year old was going to stretch that advantage, only for Donaldson to bogey two of his last three holes and settle for a 69 and nine under halfway total.
Currently fourth in the world points list, Donaldson can secure fourth place in the European list by earning €30,000 this week.
Having turned in a one under 35, Donaldson birdied four of his next six – a tee shot to six feet at the third and long putt from off the fourth green the highlights.
At nine under Donaldson led by one from France’s Gregory Bourdy, who went round in 67, with English pair Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Slattery and Donaldson’s playing partner and fellow Ryder Cup hopeful Stephen Gallacher tied for third on seven under.
“I played nicely again and made a lot of birdies out there today, but a few bogeys so if I can go out there tomorrow and play as well as I’ve played over the last couple of days I’ll be in a strong position going into the final round,” said Donaldson.
“Overall it was a solid day but like I said it could have been very good out there.
“I won’t dwell on the poor shots; I played two pitches at seven and eight and misjudged them both so one’s come out hot and one’s come out dead. That slowed the run down, up until that point I was really motoring.
“It’s a great golf course, it’s generous off the tee and you’re setting yourself up for birdies on a regular basis so it’s more of the same and go and attack at the weekend.
“I'm playing good stuff, today it was a really low one early doors and then the wind picked up a little but it was there for the taking so we’ll see how it pans out weather-wise and try and take the opportunities when they come.”
Scot Gallacher, who is currently just outside the nine automatic qualifying places for Gleneagles with only this event and next week’s Italian Open left to force his way in, looked to be drifting out of contention at one over for the day through eight holes.
But five straight birdies from the 18th – including a brilliant tee shot at the third – and a further gain at the seventh saw the Dubai Desert Classic winner storm home in 31 for a 67.
The third player in the field with aspirations of making Paul McGinley’s side, Dutchman Joost Luiten, was among the afternoon starters.
