Scandinavian Masters: Swede Robert Karlsson roared into Scandinavian Masters title contention today when he fired a course record nine-under 63 to haul within a stroke of the lead.
Last week's European Players Championship winner moved to nine-under 207. Overnight leaders Briton Mark Roe and Belgian Nicolas Colsaerts begin their third rounds on 10-under.
Karlsson, tired from his exertions in Germany where he secured his second victory of the season, had to fight to make the cut with a stroke to spare.
Having overcome that hurdle, though, he then went to town.
Out in 32 with five birdies and a bogey, Karlsson played even better on his back nine, securing an eagle and four more birdies, picking up a shot on the last, and dropping just one more shot.
"I made the mistake of playing on Tuesday, not realising how much winning had taken out of me," Karlsson said.
"And the result was I shot 75 in the first round.
"Those are the things you have to learn. But look at Tiger Woods. He has this every time he plays, and what a lot of respect I have for him.
"When I was four-over after six yesterday it didn't look too good, so it was a big challenge. I told myself to just keep patient, don't push too hard.
"Today I was happy to play so stress-free."
Karlsson lies seventh on Europe's Ryder Cup table, with 10 automatic places being decided next month in Munich at the BMW International.
Victory this weekend would rubber-stamp Karlsson's place but he is not thinking about taking on the United States just yet.
"The Ryder Cup was never a target, I was so far away from it and it's only the last couple of months it has even touched my mind," Karlsson said.
"My target was to go out and enjoy and as long as I can do that, I was confident sooner or later things would come together - as they have at the moment.
"I'm only focusing on things I can control."
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