Graeme McDowell claimed the halfway lead at the Andalucia Valderrama Masters with a classy 67 to move two shots clear of fellow Northern Irishman Gareth Maybin.
The US Open champion could close to within €400,000 of leader Martin Kaymer at the top of the Race to Dubai standings if he manages to scoop the €500,000 first prize in Sotogrande.
GMac managed six birdies in his second round- four of those coming in the space of six holes on the back nine with only two bogeys.
Gareth Maybin, seeking his maiden European Tour victory, scored his third and fourth birds at the 15th and 17th holes to climb into second place with a resurgent Niclas Fasth looking menacing in third.
Leaderboard after Round Two
