Swede on fire to lead in new mixed event

Sweden’s Caroline Hedwall fired a superb 64 to claim a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the inaugural Scandinavian Mixed.

Hosted by Annika Sorenstam and Henrik Stenson, the £860,000 event is a first on the European Tour as it features 78 men and 78 women competing on the same course for one prize fund and one trophy.

Hedwall carded two eagles, five birdies and a solitary bogey at Vallda Golf and Country Club to reach 13 under par, a shot ahead of playing partner Joost Luiten, who returned a 65.

England’s Steven Brown and South Africa’s Darren Fichardt were a shot further back, with Slovenian teenager Pia Babnik, Australia’s Stephanie Kyriacou, Finland’s Kalle Samooja and Spain’s Pep Angles on 10 under.

Scot David Drysdale carded a second round 68 to sit nine under. Richie Ramsay and Alison Muirhead are four under.