DeChambeau maintains lead as Reed charges into contention

HAMBURG: Bryson DeChambeau remained a shot clear at the halfway stage of the European Open in Hamburg on Friday, while fellow American Patrick Reed stormed into contention with a second-round 66.

World number 23 DeChambeau looked in danger of slipping off the top of the leaderboard after a slow start, but a run of four birdies in his final seven holes saw him sign for a four-under-par 68 and a 10-under total.

The 24-year-old, who is one spot off the automatic qualification places for the US Ryder Cup team, is looking for his second title of the season after winning the Memorial Tournament last month.

“If I can strike the ball just a little bit better here and there then I’ll play a little bit better and be really deep under par,” said DeChambeau.

“I think the main thing I’ve got to focus on is executing the right shots and making good decisions with the wind.”

Austrian Matthias Schwab fired a 67 to sit just one stroke adrift, alongside England’s Richard McEvoy, who eagled the 18th hole to reach nine-under.

Masters champion Reed was one of the earlier starters and went into the day off the back of consecutive birdies to finish his first round, and he rolled in seven birdies on Friday to get to eightunder for the tournament.

World number 15 Paul Casey also eagled the 18th to card a second straight three-underpar 69, as he bids to boost his hopes of qualifying for Thomas Bjorn’s European side for the Ryder Cup in Paris in September.