General / Editor / 23 June 2007 /

In-form Niclas Fasth of Sweden leads the BMW International Open on 12 under after carding a second-round 65.
The 35-year-old, who finished a surprise fourth in the US Open last weekend, is two shots clear of countryman Peter Hanson, while England's Nick Dougherty is on eight under and chasing a win to secure a place in the 136th Open Championship, starting on July 19.

Fasth, who overcame a two-hour rain delay to follow up his opening 67 with another impressive round, admitted the Eichenried course north of Munich was much different but equally as taxing to that of the grueling conditions in Oakmont.

"Good play here is rewarded with birdies, and good play at Oakmont was rewarded with pars," said Fasth, who is the 2.96 favourite on Betfair's "BMW International Open - Winner" market.

"But the challenge is effectively the same in that you need a very, very good score to win."

Among the large group on six under are England's Paul Casey (17.5) and tournament favourite Ernie Els (15).
Hanson is available to back at 11.5, while Dougherty is on offer at 15.5.

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