Saltman surges five ahead on La Gomera

Following hard on the heels of his even-more impressive first-round 63, the Scot put together another bogey-free round of five birdies and an eagle to establish a 15-under-par halfway total and a healthy advantage over England's Jamie Little at Tecina Golf on the island of La Gomera in the Canary Islands.

The Archerfield Links player said: "My long game felt strong on the range this morning and I went on to the course thinking about staying positive and happy. I wasn't nervous at all, was swinging really well and I think these are the two best rounds of my career so I'm delighted.

"Golf is a funny game and you can never predict it but I am feeling great. I'm really enjoying playing here on La Gomera as it is a beautiful place and the course is in immaculate condition."

Little posted a second consecutive round of 66 to stay in touch with the lead on ten under par with 36 holes to play, while Spain's Alvaro Velasco is a shot back on nine under after a course record equalling 63 propelled him into third spot .

George Murray, winner of the Scottish Hydro Challenge two weeks ago, shot a second-round 65 to move into a share of fourth on eight-under, while Callum Macaulay is on five-under after a 67. Lloyd Saltman, Elliot's brother, was the only other Scot to make the cut on four-under.

Another Archerfield Links man, DJ Russell fired a superb 67 to establish a two-stroke lead at the halfway mark of The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship. Russell negotiated the tricky Hunting Course at De Vere Slaley Hall with six birdies and only one bogey on his card to move to six under par 138 for the Championship.

He is two strokes clear of Paraguay's Angel Franco and South African Chris Williams, with Ross Drummond a stroke further back. Sam Torrance is five strokes back on one-under par in a share of sixth place, alongside another former Ryder Cup captain, Ian Woosnam.