Britain's Paul Lawrie boosted his chances of a first victory in seven years when he extended his overnight lead to two strokes after the Johnnie Walker Championship second round Friday. The 1999 British Open champion carded a three-under-par 69 for an eight-under tally of 136, two ahead of fellow countryman Jonathan Caldwell (66), Dutchman Maarten Lafeber (67) and Argentine Daniel Vancsik (69). Twice US Masters champion Jose Maria Olazabal (68), dogged by health problems for nearly two years, was in a group three shots off the lead. Lawrie has recently started using coach Bob Torrance, who also helps triple major champion Padraig Harrington, as he attempts to climb from 97th place on the European Tour money-list. Bob, father of former Ryder Cup captain Sam Torrance, has been instrumental in Lawrie's revival this week. “I've always been prone to the odd hook and I've certainly got rid of that the last couple of days,” the tournament leader told reporters. Lawrie, who started the day with a one-stroke lead, has won five times on the tour but his most recent victory came at the 2002 Wales Open. Northern Ireland's Caldwell, who partnered Rory McIlroy at the 2007 Walker Cup, produced the best round of his rookie year. He has missed the cut in nine of 13 events this year and lies 280th on the money-list. Olazabal was relieved to find some form after a worrying time when his rheumatic problems flared up again, and refused to rule out the prospect of an eighth Ryder Cup appearance next year. “I'm still in a bit of pain so it all depends on my health,” he said. “When I start to feel pain-free and begin practising at the level needed, then maybe yes.” Lawrie, who played alongside Olazabal on Friday, said the Spaniard's presence in the Ryder Cup match against the US next year as a player or assistant to captain Colin Montgomerie would be important for the European team. Eight-times European number one Montgomerie ended a run of three missed cuts by returning a 68 for 144, level par.
