Blistering 63 sees Romero share lead

Argentinian Eduardo Romero produced a sensational finish at Turnberry to share the halfway lead with the American Loren Roberts in the €1.5-million Seniors British Open at Turnberry yesterday.

Romero had the lowest round of the tournament so far when he finished eagle-birdie for a 63 to move to 10 under.

American Craig Stadler came within one shot of the leading pair after adding a 66 to his opening effort of 65, while his compatriot Dave Edwards stayed firmly in contention at eight under following a 65.

Ireland will be well represented over the final two rounds with Mark McNulty in 10th place on four under after a 68, Des Smyth at three under after a 71 and Eamonn Darcy a shot back on 138 after a 67. Denis O'Sullivan continued his steady progress with a 71 for 141 and Eddie Polland is on 143 after a 69.

Amateur Arthur Pierse missed out by one after a 72 left him on 145. Jimmy Heggarty slipped to a 76 for 147 while Adrian Morrow and Billy Todd also failed to make the last two rounds.

But it was 52-year-old Romero who stole the show when he produced the longest drive of his life at the 17th. A huge drive left Romero with a sand wedge in.

"I think that was the longest drive I have ever hit - it was 379 yards," he said. "Unbelievable! I had 110 yards to the hole and hit a sand wedge to four feet and made the putt for eagle.

"My confidence is very high and I feel strong. In fact, I feel as if I've only played nine holes today.

"I have been focusing all my concentration on my putting because that has always been a problem. The putter used to be a terrible club for me but not any more."

Roberts, who carded a second blemish-free round, was involved in an unfortunate incident at the 17th when he struck a female spectator on the side of the head with his second shot.

Local member Catherine McCrindle had acted as a scorer with Roberts' group in the opening round.

The unfortunate victim required medical attention but, although badly shaken, did not suffer serious injury.

By a remarkable coincidence, Roberts' playing partner, Englishman Mark James, followed up by hitting a male spectator on the leg at the last.

Roberts said: "Mark commented that we were mowing them down one after another and that they are going to send a meat wagon out with us tomorrow.

"But seriously, I feel bad about what happened. I fear that the lady might be badly hurt but, fortunately, she seems to be fine.

"Nothing like that has happened to me before and I was very concerned at the time."

Roberts, who lost to Ernie Els in a sudden death play-off for the 1994 US Open, boasted the proud distinction of not having dropped a single shot following back-to-back 65s.

Back down the field the cut came at four-over-par 144, which meant that 78 players will go into the weekend.

Among the notable absentees will be Scotland's Sam Torrance, who finished on eight over, but his playing partner and defending champion, Tom Watson, made it after a round of three-under-par 67 left him at level par.

Despite missing Torrance, the European Seniors Tour will have strong representation over the final two days, with Romero, winner of last year's Wentworth Senior Masters, supported by, among others, the Aberdeen Asset Management-sponsored McNulty, Australian Stewart Ginn, England's Mark James, plus Smyth and Darcy.