Olazabal misses Vienna cut after water plunge

Published on Friday 18 September 2009 22:46

JOSE Maria Olazabal and Nick Dougherty were among those to miss the halfway cut as England's Benn Barham retained the lead at the Austrian Open in Vienna.

Barham's rounds of 63 and 66 took him to 13 under par, his 129 total equalling the lowest of the European Tour season. He goes into the weekend two in front of 2007 winner Richard Green, the Australian left- hander also returning a five-under 66 in the second round, and three ahead of Scotland's Scott Drummond (68).

Olazabal, however, crashed out on level par after hitting water and double-bogeying the short 17th for a 72, while Dougherty's second successive 71 was not good enough either.

Low round of the day was a 64 from Welsh Ryder Cup hopeful Bradley Dredge.

Barham, yet to win on the circuit and down at 175th on the money list, has had an eagle and 12 birdies so far.

Drummond, who earned a five-year exemption with his 2004 PGA Championship victory at Wentworth, is also striving to be among the top 115 money-winners who keep their cards at the end of the season. The 35-year-old stands 158th, but victory for him or Barham tomorrow would mean they do not have to look at the standings any more.

Bristol's John Morgan has withdrawn from the event after breaking a toe on his left foot.