The Open / Maxliu / 18 July 2008 /

The Shark shows that his first round form was not a one-off, Furyk waits in the wings and a plucky amateur will be staying for the weekend.

As the second round draws to a close at the Open at Royal Birkdale, the story of the day remains former champion Greg Norman.

Norman, who won the Open in 1986 and 1993, holed long putts at the 17th and 18th holes to post his second consecutive round of par 70 to finish at the top of the board.

But punters clearly doubt the likelihood of the Australian sustaining his form over the weekend. He lies only 10th on the Betfair Open Championship Winner market at [24.0], having traded as high as [1000.00] and as low as [18.5].

Jim Furyk is the current favourite at [9.6]. The American, who finished fourth when the Open was staged at Birkdale ten years ago, shot a one over par 71 to finish at 142 for the championship. He is currently two shots of the lead.

Though conditions were an improvement on yesterday's rain soaked first round, players were unable to adopt an aggressive approach to the course, something which is reflected in the top score being a level par.

But one man who is known for his aggressive play did fair well at Birkdale today. Camillo Villegas, playing his first Open, hit eight birdies, seven pars and five bogeys to come in at five under par. His best of the week 65 put him one over for the championship and second on the leaderboard. Villegas, who has traded as high as [1000.00], was at one point as low as [13.5] to win the Open. He is currently trading third favourite at [16.0]

Meanwhile, defending champion Padraig Harrington signalled that he won't be giving up his title without a fight when he eagled the 17th to go one under for the round and three over for the championship. Harrington is currently [19.0] to retain the claret jug.

British amateur Chris Wood also enjoyed a great day. The qualifier from Bristol completed a superb round at four over to make the cut. He is [1000.00] on the Betfair winner market to make it a fairy tale triumph.

Overnight leaders Graeme McDowell, Rocco Mediate and Robert Allenby all shot 73 to drop to two over, two off the lead.

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