Jesper lines up a Swedish hat-trick

JESPER PARNEVIK’S main concern as he bids to complete a hat-trick of Swedish victories on Scottish soil this weekend is the injury jinx that has blighted his career in recent years.

He had played only one round of golf in two months prior to this week due to fitness issues.

But Parnevik carded a 68 yesterday to reach six-under par and share third spot at the halfway stage in the Senior Open at Carnoustie, a shot behind joint leaders Kohki Idoki of Japan and Joe Durant of the US.

After 36 holes of solid golf, the 51-year-old is optimistic he is capable of following in the footsteps of compatriots Alex Noren and Henrik Stenson. Noren won the Scottish Open at Castle Stuart prior to Stenson’s Open triumph at Royal Troon.

‘It must just be pure inspiration from Stenson,’ said Parnevik.

Andrew Oldcorn was the only Scot to make the cut with a 74 for a two-over-par 146. Colin Montgomerie crashed out with 73 for a five-over-par 149.