Hend likes scoring in Swiss Alps

SCOTT Hend of Australia shot a 7-under 63 on Friday to follow his opening 64 and led the European Masters by one stroke after the second round.

Hend had an eagle and five birdies, four from the 14th hole onward, to lead South African Darren Fichardt, whose 63 left him alone at 12 under.

Three shots further back were Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand, Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay and Todd Sinnott of Australia.

A three-player group on 8under included Matt Fitzpatrick of England and American Julian Suri, who shot 65.

The lowest score on a sunny day in the Swiss Alps was a 62 by Englishman Lee Slattery, 13 shots better than his opening round. Hend was runner-up in this event last year, losing in a playoff to Alex Noren.