Massive drive keeps Graeme McDowell in frame

A three-under-par 68 gave the defending champion a seven-under total of 135 at the venue for last year's Ryder Cup, one behind Alexander Noren of Sweden (67).

McDowell cracked a 385-yard drive at the 18th hole to set up his fifth birdie of the day.

"I can't remember hitting the ball any longer than that," he admitted.

Last year McDowell was six shots off the Wales Open pace going into the weekend but then carded rounds of 64 and 63 to storm to victory by three strokes.

Brimming with confidence from his win in Wales, the Northern Irishman went on to claim his first major title in the US Open at Pebble Beach.

"All I want to do this weekend is get into the mix and get some juices flowing, put the game under a bit of pressure," said McDowell who fashioned his round on four birdies in five holes around the turn.

"Then I'll take some great positives away with me (for this month's US Open)."

Noren, the 2009 European Masters winner, also claimed four birdies in five holes with his run starting at the 14th.

The 28-year-old Swede said he had drastically reduced his practice this week.

"I love practising and it hurts not going to the range but after the PGA Championship last week, 36 holes for US Open qualifying on Monday and 36 to come next Monday for Open qualifying I feel I should be relaxing and doing all my work on the course," said Noren.

After a hole-in-one from Elliott Saltman in the first round there was another ace from fellow Scot George Murray - also at the 211-yard 17th. It is at the 13th, though, that a car is the prize.

A frustrated Miguel Angel Jimenez missed the cut after a bogey six on the 18th hole, where his lay-up shot rolled agonisingly into the water. The Spaniard threw his yardage book to the ground in disgust and then kicked it for good measure.