Lafeber out in front while Finch prepares for weekend challenge

While the 35-year-old Dutchman could not quite match his impressive 64 from Thursday, when he carded 11 birdies, his round of 67 was enough to give him sole leadership on 13 under heading into what is expected to be a closely-fought weekend.

Mikko Ilonen was his closest challenger after the Finn carded a four-under-par 68, with local hopeful Jose-Filipe Lima and Raphael Jacquelin a stroke further back.

Hull's Richard Finch carded an impressive second round of 65 to leave himself four shots off the lead. Alongside Finch were David Dixon, David Howell and David Horsey in a group of six players tied for fifth on eight-under.

Harrogate's John Parry shot a second-day 70 to leave him four shots further back, while Malton's Simon Dyson just made the cut with a second successive round of 70.

With the Oceanico Victoria playing friendly, and with perfect conditions expected at the weekend, Lafeber's lead is likely to come under fire over the last two rounds.

Ryder Cup hero Francesco Molinari showed how the Algarve course can be tamed with the round of the day as he shot a 10-under 62, following his 74 on Thursday, to haul himself back into contention.

Padraig Harrington holds the halfway lead at the Iskandar Johor Open after firing a five-under-par 67.

The Irishman is bidding for a first victory in two years and put himself firmly in contention with an eagle, four birdies and just one bogey at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club.

Harrington's eagle came on the par-five sixth when he drained from 25 feet to ensure he edged ahead of Chinese Taipei's Lin Wen-tang.