GRAEME STORM sits six shots off the lead in the Open de Madrid after another impressive day in the Spanish capital from the Hartlepool golfer.

Storm followed up his opening round 66, five under, with a 68 yesterday to secure his place in the top ten as the competition enters the weekend play today.

He has enjoyed a promising first two days and his situation could have been even better had he not made five bogeys over the course of the opening rounds.

However, Storm's response was to hit five birdies yesterday, including one at the last, to share sixth spot at Club de Campo along with former Ruder Cup starts Paul Lawrie and Ian Woosnam.

Now the 27-year-old will be aiming to build on his first two days' showing by trying to close the gap on leader Raphael Jacquelin, who sits on his own at the top of the leaderboard on 14 under par.

Occupying second place, just three shots ahead of Storm, is Darren Clarke and Storm will be confident about making inroads on the top two if he can repeat his first two days' heroics.

Spaniard Ivo Giner stole the show yesterday when he bounced back from a dreadful first round in sensational style.

Giner, who carded a four over 75 on Thursday, somehow struck an amazing 60, 11 under, on the same course yesterday to climb from 109th to tenth in less than 24 hours.

As for Seve Ballesteros, playing his first event for almost two years, he avoided last place only with a last-green birdie for eight over, but did at least improve four shots on his initial 77.

He does not plan to play again this season but is looking at tournaments in Asia early next year to continue his comeback.

Published: 15/10/2005