McGrane stays in hunt

European Tour/Madeira Island Open: Jean Van de Velde made light of his knee problems at the hilltop Santo de Serra course yesterday to move into contention for the Madeira Island Open.

The Frenchman chalked up a superb 65 to join overnight leader Jarmo Sandelin at 10 under after the second round.

"I have to be extremely careful because of the knee. But it is something I have learned to live with," Van de Velde said.

"Occasionally, I will hear a slight disconnection of the leg and that can be alarming.

"But sometimes in these circumstances you learn more about yourself a bit quicker."

Van de Velde chalked up five birdies and one eagle, at the seventh, in a splendid round.

"It was very rewarding," he said. "I am playing well and playing with a smile. "My game has been pretty good recently and I feel fine going into the weekend."

Five-time European Tour winner Sandelin admitted he has altered his style in the hope of winning a tournament again.

The Swede adopted a more cautious approach in the second round after a bogey at the fourth hole.

"When you have never been disciplined on the course, it is hard work. I am trying to stay calm and not be too offensive.

"It is a matter of sticking to the game plan, no matter what. To be honest I cannot remember the last time I walked off with a 68 and felt it could have been lower."

Ireland's Damian McGrane joined the group at seven under after posting a 69. McGrane had six birdies on his card, but also threw in three bogeys.

Gary Murphy shot a 75, but survived just on the cut at level par, while Stephen Browne (72) and Colm Moriarty (74) were well off the pace.

Leading Second round scores

(Brit unless stated, Irish in bold)

134 - J Van de Velde (Fra) 69 65, J Sandelin (Swe) 66 68. 137 - N Colsaerts (Bel) 70 67, B Dredge 72 65, P Lawrie 68 69, Damien McGrane 68 69, G Houston 68 69. 138 - T Whitehouse 73 65, P Linhart (Spa) 71 67, S Walker 69 69. 139 - S Gallacher 69 70, R Finch 70 69, W Abery (Rsa) 69 70. 140 - A Canete (Arg) 71 69, J Axgren (Swe) 70 70, D Lynn 72 68, I Pyman 71 69, A Coltart 75 66, S Wakefield 72 68. 141 - G Bourdy (Fra) 72 69, I Garbutt 72 69, M Higley 72 69, A Tadini (Ita) 73 68, W Schauman (Swe) 73 68, F Valera (Spa) 73 68, D Griffiths 72 69. 142 - F Widmark (Swe) 70 72, G Orr 74 68, R-J Derksen (Ned) 71 71, M Persson (Swe) 73 69, B Mason 69 73, T Cruz (Por) 71 71, O Wilson 71 71, M Roe 74 68, L Slattery 74 68, L Oosthuizen (Rsa) 74 68, A Forsyth 72 70, C Nilsson (Swe) 75 67, M Foster 69 73. 143 - F Henge (Swe) 68 75, G Brand jnr 71 72, C Cevaer (Fra) 74 69, N Fasth (Swe) 70 73, S O'Hara 72 71, M Erlandsson (Swe) 70 73, G Emerson 68 75, O Whiteley 70 73, M Eliasson (Swe) 74 69, F Molinari (Ita) 70 73, F Molinari (Ita) 70 73, R Russell 76 67, R Santos (Por) 72 71. 144 - J-F Lima (Por) 72 72, A Hansen (Den) 71 73, S Little 75 69, D Dixon 72 72, R Fisher 70 74, P Baker 71 73, D Patrick 73 71, G Davies 73 71, S Luna (Spa) 73 71, S Khan 76 68, J Bickerton 74 70, S Little 74 70, H Otto (Rsa) 70 74, F Aguilar (Chi) 72 72, Gary Murphy +69 75. Missed Cut: 148 - Stephen Browne 76 72. 150 - Colm Moriarty 76 74. Withdrew: Michael Hoey, David Higgins.