• Wales Open

Lowry surges late as Donaldson carries Europe's flag

Jamie Donaldson was the pick of Europe's Ryder Cup charges on day two in Newport © Getty Images

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Dutchman Joost Luiten continued his strong start to the Wales Open but was pipped to the top of the leaderboard at the end of round two by Shane Lowry, as several of Europe's Ryder Cup charges underwhelmed once again at Celtic Manor.

Luiten struck a superb 65 on Thursday and looked set to lead after 36 holes with a second round 69, but Irishman Lowry notched a faultless round of 65 to snatch the outright lead by a shot at 9-under-par.

Luiten is one back at 8-under and is joined by fellow late-starter Nicolas Colsaerts, who moved up to share second with an eagle at the 18th - the same hole he recorded his European Tour record drive on Thursday.

"It was tough today because the greens were very soft compared to yesterday with all the rain they had last night," Luiten told the European Tour's official website. "I'm in a nice position going into the weekend and we'll see what happens."

Stephen Gallacher, who will make his Ryder Cup bow a week today, missed the cut despite a 1-under round of 70. The Scot, who grew up five miles from Gleneagles, made a 7-over 78 in his opening round and gave himself no real chance of recovery.

Lee Westwood, another of captain Paul McGinley's wildcard picks, fared slightly better and did well to make the cut. A 2-under round of 69, including four birdies, has moved him up to even-par overall going into the weekend action.

Local favourite Jamie Donaldson was the pick of the Ryder Cup bunch after he hit a bogey-free round of 67, which moves him well in contention at 5-under. Thomas Bjorn is 2-under par having improved on his Thursday score of level-par.

Elsewhere, Edoardo Molinari enjoyed the best round of the day; the Italian made eight birdies in a flawless round of 63 to move up to joint fourth with Thongchai Jaidee at 7-under.

Tommy Fleetwood is one of a number of players poised on 6-under, while Scotsman Marc Warren is 5-under alongside Donaldson.

Wales Open Leaderboard

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