Graeme McDowell just one shot behind leader Parry

AUSTRIAN OPEN: European Ryder Cup player Graeme McDowell continued his fine form at the Austrian Open with a sparkling 68 to sit one shot off the lead after the second round. The Ulsterman, returning to action for the first time since last month's USPGA Championship, conjured up five birdies to move to seven-under 137, three shots clear of Ryder Cup team-mate Miguel Angel Jimenez who also went round in 68.

England's John Parry shot a five-under par 67, carding five birdies without dropping a shot, to hold the midway lead. "It's very much the old cliche of a game of two halves, this golf course," said world No 14 McDowell. "The front nine's quite tricky and you've got to drive the ball unbelievably well to have any chance of making birdies," Needing a good finish soon to hang on to his Tour card, Andrew Coltart (70) is three shots off the lead, while Marc Warren and Alastair Forsyth (both on 142), Scott Drummond and Andrew McArthur (both on 143) and Steven O'Hara (145) also made the cut.