Fitzpatrick storms to halfway lead in Sweden

Cape Town - Englishman Matthew Fitzpatrick has taken the halfway stage lead of the Scandinavian Invitation at Hills Golf & Sports Club on Friday.

Fitzpatrick holds a two shot lead with homeboy Hendrik Stenson breathing down his neck in Molndal.

Fitzpatrick and Stenson treated the Swedish crowds, as they surged to the top of the European Tour event's leaderboard.

Fitzpatrick, who won the event in 2016, carded six birdies and a bogey to post 65 and head into the weekend on 11-under par.

"I've got targets in my mind of what I want to achieve at certain ages and in my season in general, so I have put myself in a good position here to move that forward and keep doing what I am doing," Fitzpatrick was quoted as saying via a press release.

Meanwhile, 2016 Open Championship winner Stenson was on song as he made six consecutive birdies before carding a stunning 62 to tie for second place alongside China's Wu Ashun on 9-under.

"I am just happy to play a good round today," said Stenson.

"I was a was quite some way back after the first round, so to have a good score today and make up some ground to be in contention for the weekend feels pretty good. A lot of golf left to be played and Matt is playing really solid, so I think he is going to be the one to try and catch at this point."

Erik van Rooyen is the highest South African on the leaderboard - tied for sixth on 7-under - heading into the weekend.