Rookie Rachel Jennings shoots 68 to stay on top in Tale

LADIES SLOVAK OPEN: England's Rachel Jennings shot a four-under-par 68 to open up a two-stroke lead at the midway stage of the Allianz Ladies Slovak Open.

The 22-year-old rookie professional from Stoke finished on a nine-under-par halfway total after a warm, breezy day at Gray Bear Golf Club in Tale.

She made a slightly sluggish start with a three-putt bogey at the fourth, but it was her only stumble in 36 holes after opening with a bogey-free 67.

She went to the turn in a one-under 34 after picking up shots at the seventh and ninth holes, before adding further birdies at the 11th, 14th and 18th.

She said: "I played good but it was a bit scrappier than yesterday. I didn't hit it as good but the bad shots were okay."

Jennings finished two strokes clear of Virginie Lagoutte-Clement from France, who added a 68 to her opening 69. Swedish rookie Caroline Hedwall finished in third on six under after a 67, while Australian Karen Lunn (71) and England's Laura Davies (68) shared sixth on two under par.