Wallis seizes halfway lead

He cited David Higgins as the man to catch and defending champion Richard Wallis didn't waste much time to overhaul the Irish ace with a second round 68 to lead the Titleist PGA Play-Offs in Turkey.

The Walmer & Kingsdown pro is one ahead of Waterville Links pro Higgins who having had a superb opening round of 66 endured a rollercoaster second of one-under-par 70 with five birdies offset by four bogeys.

With the 24-strong field playing catch up after storms wiped out play on day one of the 72-hole tournament, Wallis resumed his second round on the 11th tee of Antalya Golf Club's PGA Sultan Course.

Two birdies on three and seven yesterday had taken him to six under for the £15,000 event and while yesterday's sun had given away to early morning rain there was nothing to dampen the Kent man's spirits, particulary after signing off with another birdie on 18 for a three under 68 and a seven under total at the halfway stage.

The overnight interruption didn't affect Scotland's Greig Hutcheon either as he catapulted himself into the fray with a flawless four under 67.

The Banchory pro is a former winner and is on target to realise his aim of a top three finish and place in the Great Britain & Ireland PGA Cup team to face the United States next year.

Reigning Glenmuir PGA Professional champion Gareth Wright is lurking dangerously at three under following a 69 with Frilford Heath's Tom Fleming matching his score to sit two under with Barrie Trainor and Paul Streeter (Lincoln Golf Centre) one under.

After a brief break the players began the third round which will be completed today with Wallis, Higgins and Hutcheon out last at 11:40am Turkish time.