Bourdy storms to Spanish Open lead

Frenchman Gregory Bourdy upset predictions to take a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the Spanish Open on Friday. Bourdy, who boasts only one top-ten finish in his last 24 European Tour events, made four birdies in his last six holes to card a six-under-par 66 which left him at five under par for the tournament. Having resumed down in 37th place, he now leads England's Simon Dyson and Robert Rock, Italian teenager Matteo Manassero and Spaniard Jorge Campillo, by one shot. Overnight leader Shaun Micheel managed only a 77 as the 2003 US PGA Champion slipped back to level par. Despite the tough conditions -- which included wind and dense rough -- Bourdy's 66 was the best round of the week so far. "I've just been patient," said Bourdy. "I've not made a score like that for a long time in these conditions. It's good for the confidence. "I'm very happy about this round, particularly in these conditions. I made eight birdies and just two bogeys. "Yesterday one over was not so bad in that wind, but today (Friday) I played really well, I felt comfortable and very solid, very consistent and I also made some important putts, so I'll try to keep going like this." Dyson carded a 69, finishing with a 12-footer for eagle. "It appeared to bobble and I started walking, but it kept going and dropped," said Dyson, the reigning Irish Open champion who is using a new belly putter. "I switched because I've just not been holing out well. It's harder to get the pace, but I start it on the right line more consistently." Manassero and Rock shot 70 and 72 respectively as they continued their bids for third European Tour wins. "It wasn't an easy day and I'm happy because I didn't really play that well but managed to score," said Manassero, 19. "I'm really happy to be in contention, to be around the lead, and we shall see what happens."