Kapur enjoys lead, McIlroy lurks at delayed Dutch Open
09 Sep 2011 - 21:00:09
India's Shiv Kapur is the clubhouse leader at the Dutch Open at seven under par while Rory McIlroy lurks two shots behind but play was suspended on Friday evening with over half the field still to complete their second rounds.
Kapur was one of many players forced to finish their first rounds on Friday after damage caused to four of the greens at the Hilversumsche Club by vandals, and then heavy rain, wreaked havoc on Thursday.
After signing for a four-under 66 in his first round, Kapur hit a 67 to end the day well-placed as he bids to win a maiden European Tour title.
"I've been driving the ball really well, and this course there's a big premium on hitting a lot of fairways," said the 28-year-old.
"The driver has been behaving and I gave myself quite a few chances. Overall I just played quite solid."
Kapur is a shot clear of Gary Orr and South Africa's James Kingston in the clubhouse, while Rory McIlroy lies in wait at five under after shooting a 65.
McIlroy had to play 27 holes on Friday after being caught up in Thursday's rainstorms, and he shot six birdies and just one bogey in his second round to move into contention despite admitting that he was short of his best form.
"I don't feel I drove the ball particularly well. There were a couple of loose shots and I got some lucky breaks," he said.
Lee Westwood will hope to compete over the weekend after a 66 took him to four under at the halfway stage.
The course lead is held by Stephen Dodd and Marcel Siem at eight under.
Dodd hit four birdies and an eagle before being forced to a call a halt to his round with five holes to play, while Siem is looking good having completed only 11 holes of his second round.
Simon Dyson -- a two-time former winner here who held the joint overnight lead with Siem -- will resume his second round on Saturday at six under after eleven holes.
