Golf: Jose Manuel Lara takes lead at Czech Open

JOSE Manuel Lara shot a four-under 68 to take a provisional lead at the Czech Open last night after rain cut short the second round.

Play was suspended due to a thunderstorm with nine groups of players due to complete their second rounds this morning.

The Spaniard produced five birdies and a bogey at Prosper Golf Resort in the Czech town of Celadna for a seven-under 137. "I played really well on my back nine," said Lara who is seeking his third European Tour victory. "I struggled a little bit early on because of the wind, but then made five birdies on my back nine, which added up to a good round."

Mikael Lundberg of Sweden, whose round was halted on the 15th, is also seven- under. Englishmen Oliver Fisher and Gary Boyd and Damien McGrane of Ireland are all a shot back in a tie for third. Overnight leader Peter Lawrie of Ireland shot a 75 after an opening-round 66 to drop to 13th.

Meanwhile, joint overnight leader Tommy Gainey completed his second round at the Wyndham Championship in Greensboro and found himself three shots ahead of the rest of the field.

Having been locked in with Jeff Quinney following a seven-under 63 on Thursday, Gainey shaved another five shots off the par score to return to the clubhouse on 12-under par.

Fellow American Webb Simpson was in pursuit three shots back following a 65, while a 67 from Australian Stuart Appleby also had him tied in for second on nine-under.

England's Paul Casey was one-under for the day after five holes and six-under for the tournament.