Italian Open:Swede Robert Karlsson broke the Tolcinasco course record with an 11-under 61 to take the early second-round lead at the Italian Open on Friday.

Confusion over his qualification for Sawgrass meant Karlsson had decided to stick to his schedule of playing in Italy rather than travel to the United States for the Players Championship.

A scintillating two-eagle eight-birdie return showed the world number 48 might reap richer dividends in Europe this week.

His card, also containing 12 threes, hauled him through the field to sit two strokes in front of South African Hennie Otto, who shot 66.

Argentine Estanislao Goya is a further two strokes behind after a 67. Spain's Alvaro Velasco (64), Britain's Phillip Archer (64) and overnight joint-leader Marco Ruiz of Paraguay (70) are on 10-under.

Karlsson admitted the so far unattained 59 on the European Tour had "crossed my mind" but the 2006 Ryder Cup player was still delighted to equal his career-best return which gives him a chance of an eighth title.

"I was never really sure I would make Sawgrass and I thought if I could play well here it would be for the best," Karlsson told reporters.

"I'm in Ireland next week, so it's really good for travelling and maybe it's worked out for the best."

Now Karlsson, who had to wait seven years for his chance to play against the U.S. after narrowly missing out on the 1999 Ryder Cup team, has every chance of moving up Europe's (combined) Cup table from his current eighth position.

Even though he feels he is playing the best golf of his life, though, the Monte Carlo-based Swede is determined not to set either Nick Faldo's Valhalla team as a goal or winning a first major.

"I've found out you definitely can't chase results," said Karlsson. "So I'm focusing on improving all the time.

"The Ryder Cup or a major will then take care of itself."