CHRIS HANSON is closing in on becoming the first man since 2007 to win three PGA EuroPro Tour events in the same season.
The Woodsome Hall professional, who triumphed at Galgorm Castle in Ballymena and Bovey Castle in Devon, is heading for victory in the Network Veka Classic at Mottram Hall in Cheshire.
He started day two level with two other players but a stunning second round saw him move into a seven-shot lead.
His second round started in perfect fashion with an eagle at the first with birdies following at the second, fourth, eighth and ninth before he made another three birdies in an effort of 63 – nine under par.
Tyrrell Hatton, of Harleyford in Buckinghamshire and a former Walker Cup player, was playing in his first professional event and started with a steady 72.
However, he found his form inn ther second round as he scored 65 in a round that included eight birdies and a bogey and left him in tied second.
Ian Winstantley, from Warrington, is on course for his best performance of the season as he is also on 7 under after scores of 68 and 69.
This is only the second time in seven events he has made the cut and will be hoping to finish higher than the 24th spot he occupied at Fota Island.
Tiger Woods has already been told he will be part of America’s team for the Presidents Cup in Melbourne in November.
Despite falling like a stone down the world rankings, giving his worst-ever performance in a major at the USPGA Championship two weeks ago and missing out on the FedEx Cup play-offs, Woods has an assurance from captain Fred Couples that he will be one of his two wild cards.
