Cape Town - Australian Scott Hend leads after the second round of the Omega European Masters, one-shot ahead of South African Darren Fichardt, after firing 63 for a 13-under-par total at Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club on Friday.
The big-hitting Australian produced a big finish on Friday in a round that included an eagle and five birdies, four from the 14th hole onwards while Fichardt was a shot back after firing a 63 leaving him at 12 under.
In third, three shots further back were, Fabrizio Zanotti of Paraguay, Thongchai Jaidee of Thailand and Australia's Todd Sinnott.
A shot back on eight under were three players Matt Fitzpatrick of England, American Julian Suri and Ryan Fox of Australia.
After his round, the 44-year-old Hend told reporters that he hoped to putt a little bit better over the next two days but was happy with his round of 63. "It would be nice to putt a little bit better but you walk off with 63, it's fantastic," he added. "I wouldn't say I've taken this place apart because this place can get back at you pretty quick.
"I just tried to play a bit more conservative than usual and I got lucky with a couple of shots."Leaderboard:-13 Scott Hend (64 63) 127-12 Darren Fichardt (65 63)-9 Thongchai Jaidee (65 66), Fabrizio Zanotti (66 65),Todd Sinnott (65 66)
-8 Matthew Fitzpatrick (67 65), Julian Suri (67 65), Ryan Fox (65 67)