George Murray in the hunt for Kenya title

Published on 16/02/2013 02:37

GEORGE Murray is chasing his second European Challenge Tour title at the Barclays Kenya Open after the Scot carded a bogey-free, four under par second round of 67 to finish the day one shot off the lead set by Tim Sluiter of the Netherlands.

After missing some good birdie chances early on at Karen Country Club, outside Nairobi, Murray picked up his first shot at the eighth hole before he holed a six-foot putt for another birdie at the 12th. Despite feeling unwell after that birdie, the 29-year-old almost chipped in for eagle at the 15th before tapping in for another birdie and he finished with another birdie at the par five 18th to move to seven under for the tournament, as he chases a first title since his home win at the Scottish Hydro Challenge in 2010. “I played nicely today,” he said. “I scored well on the first day despite not playing too well but today I didn’t struggle to make par once. I hit the ball pretty solid and made a lot of fairways and only missed one green so it was nice.”

Raymond Russell is a shot further back in fourth place on six under after a 69, while David Law also carded a 69 and sits three shots off the pace on five under. Sluiter, meanwhile, roared into the lead as a course-record six under par 65 moved him a shot clear of the pack.