Matt Wallace shot a brilliant 62 to take a four-shot lead in the second round of the Omega European Masters in Crans-sur-Sicières, Switzerland.
The 34-year-old Englishman, one of the favorites to win this week, broke out of a four-way tie for third after opening with a 64 to move into the weekend at 14 under.
He finished ahead of co-overnight leader Alex Fitzpatrick, who followed up a 63 with a tough 67, but his good run was marred by his only bogey of the day at the par-3 16th.
But it was enough to keep him in second place, ahead of third-placed Jordan Smith of Britain, who shot a 65.
Watford player Gary Hurley made the cut easily with an even-par 70, two strokes under, to tie for 46th.
He had a colorful round, with four birdies and four bogeys.
Rankings
Wallace, whose last European Tour title came nearly six years ago, was the only player to go bogey-free this week, a streak fueled by chip-in birdies on the fourth and fifth holes.
He won three more to finish at 30, and while his scoring slowed on the back nine, three straight birdies over three holes starting with the 14th were enough to pull away from his rivals.
Wallace said he is more focused on consistency than winning tournaments as he takes a longer-term view to next year's Ryder Cup team, despite coming close to selection in 2018 and 2023 before ultimately missing out.
“It’s not just about winning, it’s about playing well,” said Wallace, who turned down an early offer from LIV Golf in 2022.
“Luke (Donald, Ryder Cup captain) wants you to play well and I want to play well, so I’m going to try to play well every day and that’s what’s going to happen.
“Competition is good, but I want to stay away from it as much as possible.”
However, it was a different story for Fitzpatrick’s brother Matt, who fell from three behind the leader to one behind the top and entered the weekend at one under after a 73.
The former U.S. Open champion was hoping to join the late Seve Ballesteros as the course's three-time champion but looked out of form, swearing loudly and making five bogeys during his round.
