Chris Doak is in contention to become the first Scot to win the Scottish Open since 1999 following a round of 66 on Friday. The 35-year-old is alone in the lead at 12 under par having backed up his fine first-round form by carding a second-successive score of 66. He is trailed by American Peter Uihlein, Denmark&aposs JB Hansen and English duo Ross Fisher and Matthew Southgate, who all sit at 11 under par after two trips around the Castle Stuart course. Richard Green was the only Australian to make the cut and he sits in a tie for 46th place at five under. Doak almost saw his near-perfect round spoiled when he produced a bogey with one hole to go, but a birdie on the 18th ensured he would stay out front. And he was understandably delighted to hold the lead at the end of day two, saying: “The first time around I was still wet behind the ears but the Challenge Tour definitely taught me how to play four rounds and handle the travel. “It&aposs a tough environment because there are a lot of great players out there and you need to be consistent because there is not as much money. “But anything that&aposs worth learning takes time and hopefully it&aposs coming together now. It&aposs fantastic to shoot 66 and follow it up with another one and I&aposm really pleased.” Among the notable names still in contention is world number eight Phil Mickelson, with the American heading into the clubhouse four shots short of Doak. Paul Casey and Francesco Molinari are even closer, sitting one shot ahead of Mickelson and three behind the lead. Defending champion Jeev Milkha Singh&aposs chances appear to be all but over, however, with the Indian adrift at three under par.
Author: Omnisport