Sam Torrance tees off
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Angel Francos, from the famous Paraguayan family of golfers took a distinct liking to the conditions in England's north-east today to take a three shot lead after nine-holes of the second round of The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship being played this weekend over the Hunting course.
He added three birdies to his overnight three-under-par 69 to stretch away from defending champion Gordon Brand Jr who starts his second round at lunchtime
The former Ryder Cup player finished runner up to namesake Gordon J Brand last year after an epic six hole play-off and narrowly missed becoming the youngest European Seniors Tour winner - just five days after turning 50.
Brand and Franco - despite three putting the 18th - matched the clubhouse target set by South African Jeff Hawkes and American John Benda.
Ryder Cup legends Ian Woosnam (73), Sam Torrance (74) and Costantino Rocca (73) began their assault on the championship with solid opening rounds and are expected to be soon in the hunt as the tournament unfolds.
“The layout here is fantastic. I love coming here and always seem to play well, which I am hoping will continue this week,” said Torrance, while Rocca added: “This is a good event for us on the Seniors Tour, and one I always look forward to playing in. The course is great, and a little drier than last year, so hopefully we'll have another exciting week.”
Golfmagic.com contributor John Hoskison was tied 27th after the first round following a two over par 74.
Large crowds are expected to take advantage of the FREE TICKET OFFER. at the tournament. All spectators have to do is pay £5 for car parking when they arrive on any of the remaining tournament days (June 26-28).
