Daly shoots 5-under 67 to challenge leaders

SCIACCA, Sicily – John Daly had five birdies and an eagle for a 5-under 67, finishing two shots off the leaders at the Sicilian Open on Friday.

The 46-year-old Daly trailed six players, including first-round leader Peter Lawrie, who shot a 72. Lawrie was joined at 8 under by Jamie Donaldson (71), David Lynn (69), Pelle Edberg (66), Maarten Lafeber (68) and Simon Wakefield (67).

Daly battled afternoon wind off the Mediterranean.

"The last 11 holes were very, very difficult." Daly said. "The winds just got stronger and stronger. You never want to say pars are a good score, but today pars were a good score."

Defending champion Raphael Jacquelin (73) and teenager Matteo Manassero (72) failed to make the cut.

American Rich Beem, playing in Europe because he has lost his card on the PGA Tour, shot his second 69 to move alongside Daly at 6 under.

Laurie couldn't duplicate his opening-round 64.

"My putter went cold, it was as simple as that." Lawrie said. "The greens were difficult to read, but I missed three 5-footers in a row, which was tough to take after yesterday."