Newport, May 31: Ian Poulter delivered another consistent performance at Celtic Manor to lead the Wales Open golf tournament for a second day. A five-under-par 67 took Poulter to 12 under 132 on Friday (May 30), giving him a two shot lead over Welshman Phillip Price, who carded a 66. It was Price who pipped Poulter for the 10th and final European Ryder Cup place in 2001, but the Englishman only has winning his fourth title on his mind. He hit five birdies, despite suffering from tonsillitis. The 27-year-old Poulter has carded only one bogey in 36 holes. Price, the player who beat the then world number two Phil Mickelson in the Ryder Cup singles last year, produced a faultless card to stay two shots behind Poulter. South African Darren Fichardt, who won the Qatar Masters in March, holds third place three behind Poulter after a 67. Zimbabwean Mark McNulty, seeking his 17th European Tour title before being eligible for seniors tours next year, is a further stroke back after a 67. Joint overnight leader Nick O'Hern of Australia shot a 72 to be in the group five off the pace. Ricardo Gonzalez hit a 71 to finish on 138.


Colin Montgomerie birdied the 11th but an eagle putt at the last rimmed out and he missed the cut. The Scot started favourite to win against a weakened field on his debut at Celtic Manor -- the 2010 Ryder Cup course.


But a woeful putting display left him on level-par 144 after a one-under second round 71, missing the cut by a stroke.


Leading scores after the second round of the Wales Open played at the par-72 Celtic Manor course (British unless stated): 132 Ian Poulter 65 67 134 Phillip Price 68 66 135 Darren Fichardt (South Africa) 68 67 136 Mark McNulty (Zimbabwe) 69 67 137 Richard Green (Australia) 67 70, Jesus Maria Arruti (Spain) 68 69, Nick O'Hern (Australia) 65 72, Jonathan Lomas 66 71, Andrew Coltart 68 69, Santiago Luna (Spain) 68 69 138 David Drysdale 68 70, Ricardo Gonzalez (Argentina) 67 71, Carlos Rodiles (Spain) 68 70 139 Alessandro Tadini (Italy) 69 70, Peter Fowler (Australia) 67 72, Fredrik Jacobson (Sweden) 71 68, Jamie Donaldson 68 71, David Howell 70 69


Bureau Report