Darren Clarke regained control on the second day of the Volvo PGA Championship and leads by one shot on nine-under at the halfway stage at Wentworth.
The Dungannon golfer had the overnight lead, after his opening 66, but as an afternoon starter he was overtaken by Sweden's Niclas Fasth.
The Swede led for most of the day on eight under following today's 67. Clarke then responded with a 70 to overtake Fasth at the top.
Clarke's round didn't start comfortably, he bogeyed the first and the seventh, and with only one birdie at the fourth, reached the turn in one over 36. However, the twice runner-up in this event remained focused to cover the inward half in three under 33.
The day was capped with a pair of birdies on the two closing par fives. The burly Ulsterman launched a drive off the 18th - over 320yards - leaving just a seven iron to get home. Compare that to playing partner, Nick Faldo, who also hit a good drive but required a 3-wood for his approach.
"I'm pleased with my first two rounds because the conditions were tough out there," said Clarke referring to the swirling wind, which is a constant feature at the West Course.
"I think I only made one six foot and one eight foot putt out there," he jibed referring to his lack of converted putts. "But I'm just trying to remain patient as there's still a lot of golf to be played over the weekend."
Fellow Irishman Paul McGinley made up ground with a 69 but he, like Clarke, made a slow start with bogeys on two of the first three holes. The Ryder Cup star then set about redressing the balance with an eagle at the par five fourth and from there never looked back.
Like Clarke he covered the back nine in 33 and shares 12th spot on five under with six others, including three times winner Colin Montgomerie (70).
Ronan Rafferty looked set to make his first cut in some time. With three holes left to play the former European number one (1989) was level for the day and three under for the championship. The cut looks as though it will set at level par.
Level par is a mark Greame McDowell will be keeping a close eye on after going backwards today. The Portrush pro dropped back level to after shooting 76 to undo all the good work of yesterday's opening 68.
Philip Walton and Peter Lawrie look set to miss the cut as they are three over and six over respectively while nearing the conclusion of their rounds.
The news wasn't any better for Brendan McGovern or John Dwyer. Both have been regular winners on the Irish PGA circuit but were somewhat out of their depth today. McGovern (76) finished 10 over while Dwyer was 13 over with eight holes to play.