Price back in the running for title

Former Ryder Cup hero Phillip Price has a real chance to re-ignite his career after a second round 66 at the Hassan Trophy in Morocco yesterday.

Strong winds prevented any play before 1pm, but the 45-year-old Welshman then moved on to the ten-under-par halfway total of 134. He is one ahead of Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara overnight, although the round has still to be completed. First day leader Damien McGrane, for example, managed only five holes and parred them all to remain seven under.

Italian teenager Matteo Manassero, needing to win to have a chance of climbing into the world’s top 50 and qualifying for the Masters, is five behind following a 71.

Robert Rock wrote off his chances of making it to Augusta with a top-two finish when he had a septuple bogey 11 for an opening 77, but the Abu Dhabi winner shot 68 on his return – even with a seven on his card – and, on one over, is just inside the expected cut mark.

Price has not finished amongst Europe’s top 100 money-winners since 2004 and last season held on to his card by little more than £1,000.

Forever to be remembered for his victory over Phil Mickelson at the Belfry a decade ago, he is chasing his first victory for nine years.