Whitehouse Close To Double - 13/07/2008

The second day of play at the traditional and beautiful Palmares Golf Course greeted players with more warm sunshine but less wind. Although this gave players more control over the ball, it also meant that they felt the effects of the heat even more.

The overnight leader, Tom Whitehouse (Maxstoke Park), carded a 69 on the second day, which combined with his course record 62 the previous day left him with an eleven under par total of 131. This was enough to keep the lead, and gives him with a two shot cushion going into the final round.

Portuguese star Antonio Sobrinho (Vale do Lobo) lies in second place after recording the best score of the morning draw with an amazing 66, bringing him to a nine under total of 133. Having finished third at Quinta de Cima two weeks ago, Sobrinho has shown great skill and consistency this week and is just two shots off the lead so will certainly be challenging for the title on the final day.

Sobrinho's five under par score of 66 remained unbeaten all day, although some impressive play in the afternoon led to it being equalled by Michael Welch, Daniel Gaunt, Stephen McGavin and Paddy Gribben. This score from Gribben is all the more commendable considering that it included a two shot penalty for playing a wrong ball!

Icelandic Bjorgvin Sigurbergsson clearly enjoyed the hot weather as he birdied his way to a second consecutive score of 67. This puts him eight under par for the tournament and in joint third position alongside Paddy Gribben and Michael Welch.

Fifty-five players made the cut, with scores of 144 (+2) being good enough to ensure a place in the final round. And with the Palmares course offering just rewards for good play, an exciting climax to the Quinta da Ria / Casinos do Algarve Swing can be expected.

For full results, visit the Palmares event under the Tournaments section.