Jamie Donaldson shot a three-under-par 69 on Friday to retain his one-shot lead at the Czech Masters.
The Welshman made six birdies during his second round to consolidate his position in the penultimate European Tour event which carries Ryder Cup qualifying points.
Donaldson, who is currently on the borderline in terms of a securing a guaranteed place in Europe's team for the event at Gleneagles, would have been further ahead at the top of the leaderboard had two late bogeys not dragged him down to nine-under-par.
Gregory Bourdy of France is one stroke back at the Albatross Golf Resort in Prague, which is hosting its first ever professional golf tournament, after he carded a five-under-par 67.
Scotland's Stephen Gallacher matched that effort as he looks to force his way into qualifying for a home Ryder Cup, and is in a tie for third thanks largely to a run of five consecutive birdies around the turn, having started on the 10th tee.
John Hahn, Garrick Porteous, Tommy Fleetwood and Lee Slattery are level with Gallacher on seven-under.
Joe Fish
