Golf: Nilsmark's accuracy has the edge

(First Edition)

CATRIN NILSMARK, of Sweden, shot a second round of 69 yesterday to raise her hopes of achieving a first victory on the women's tour in the European Classic at Sagmuhle in Germany.

Nilsmark, who was second behind Laura Davies last year, finished with a five-under-par 139 to lead by one stroke from her fellow Swede Annika Sorenstam.

Scotland's Gillian Stewart, Lora Fairclough, from Lancashire, and the West Country golfer Susan Shapcott lead the British challenge. They share fourth place on 143, four strokes off the pace.

Davies recovered from the traumas of an opening round of 78, bouncing back with four birdies in a 70. However, Davies's 148 total leaves her nine strokes adrift of Nilsmark.

England, the defending champions, cruised to a 5-2 victory over Ireland in the first round of the European Women's Team Championship at Royal Haagsche in the Netherlands.