Edberg rediscovers his range to take lead in Majorca

It took him into the joint lead with South African James Kingston, who was able to add only a level-par 70 to his pacesetting opening 65.

They were three clear of the field at the halfway stage of the Iberdrola Open Cala Millor Mallorca, Welshman Stuart Manley's 68 bringing him into a tie for third on two under with Spaniards Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Alejandro Canizares.

Six months after losing his Tour card and then failing to win it back at the qualifying school, Edberg has had only limited opportunities on the circuit this season.

But the 31-year-old known for his colourful headbands has already recorded one top-10 finish and now a first victory is in his sights at Pula after the joint lowest round of his career.

Edberg, out in 32 before picking up further shots on the fifth, sixth and eighth, was on the last fairway when a thunderstorm halted play for over two hours.

"I had 165 metres to the pin on the ninth and was practising with a seven-iron, but when I got back on the course after the delay it was a soft nine-iron," he said. "It was crazy. I didn't expect 64, but I played really well tee to green."

Manley moved into third place at three under late in the day, while Ireland's Gary Murphy got to the same mark, but then double-bogeyed the short eighth.

Only six players were under par at that point. Spaniard Canizares was in by then on two under and Murphy was alongside England's Andrew Marshall one further back.

EAST RIDING begin the defence of their Yorkshire Inter-District League title at Teesside tomorrow.

Their championship-winning season of 2009 – their first title for eight years – owed much to a youthful set-up.

Paul Lockwood, 18, who has since gone on to represent Yorkshire, is to play a key role in the team's defence this year, alongside his father Andy. The two were the first father and son duo to play for the union.

East Riding have however lost one of their star players from last season, the former Brabazon Trophy winner Steve Uzzell, who has turned professional. Tomorrow's match is at Eaglescliffe.

Sheffield, the powerhouse in recent seasons, begin their quest to wrestle the title back from East Riding against 2009 Team Championship winners Harrogate at Bawtry. York entertain Bradford at Malton and Norton and Halifax-Huddersfield host Leeds at Woodsome Hall.