US CHAMPIONS TOUR: Des Smyth shot a four-under-par 66 in the second round to jump into contention in the Seniors Players Championship over the East Course at Baltimore Country Club in Maryland.

That left him tied for third on four under, three shots behind leader Loren Roberts, who also shot a 66.

Scott Hoch was a shot back after a 68, while David Eger joined Smyth after a 67. Mark McNulty is on level par after a 68.

CHALLENGE TOUR:Peter Baker surged into a two-stroke lead at the Open Côtes d'Armor Bretagne after a second round of three-under-par 67 took him to nine under 131 to move ahead of the rampaging Ross McGowan, who carded a brilliant 62, and Andrew Oldcorn.

With three European Tour career victories, Baker is confident he can do enough over the next four weeks to break back into the Challenge Tour's top 20 and secure a return to the European Tour.

Northern Ireland's Richard Kilpatrick is tied for 15th on two under par after a second-round 71. Stephen Browne made the cut on one over par.

US PGA TOUR: Jesper Parnevik added a five-under 65 to his sparkling first-round 61 to maintain his lead in the Texas Open at La Cantera Golf Club in San Antonio.

That left him on 14 under, five shots clear of compatriots Fredrik Jacobson (65) and Richard S Johnson (66).

LET:Sophie Gustafson set herself up for a second victory in three weeks when she extended her lead after the second round of the Madrid Ladies Masters at Club de Golf Retamares.

The Swede, who won at Loch Lomond a fortnight ago, chipped in for an eagle three at the 18th to pull five strokes clear of Martina Eberl of Germany.

Gustafson carded a second 66, seven-under-par, for a 36-hole total of 14-under-par in the 54-hole tournament. She carded seven birdies, two bogeys and an eagle. At the 18th she hit a superb drive and a four-iron just right of the green before chipping in.

Ireland's Rebecca Coakley improved on her opening 81 with a 77 but continues to prop up the field.