(Reuters) - Italy's Renato Paratore produced a fine round of five-under-par 66 to lead at the halfway stage of the British Masters at Close House on Thursday as host Lee Westwood battled to make the cut. Paratore carded birdies on the first and 14th holes as well as each of the three par-fives, with his eagle attempt on the 17th stopping inches short of the cup. The 23-year-old completed a bogey-free opening 36 holes to sit at 11-under overall, one shot clear of England's Dale Whitnell and South African Justin Harding. "I played really solid, especially the short game," said Paratore, whose only previous European Tour title came at the Nordea Masters in Sweden three years ago. "I saved some shots when I needed it, so I'm very happy with my game," he added.

Source: The Star July 23, 2020 19:41 UTC