Fisher holds Vilamoura advantage

Oliver Fisher will take a one-shot lead into the third round of the Portugal Masters after carding a second-successive 65 on Friday. The Englishman currently sits 112th in the Race to Dubai standings, but he has taken a giant step towards retaining his European Tour card status following an impressive opening two rounds in Vilamoura. Fisher started his second round two shots off the lead, but he produced an impressive showing that saw him record two eagles, three birdies and just two dropped shots, as he moved onto 12-under-par for the tournament. The 31-year-old now appears to be in pole position to secure just his second victory on the European Tour and first since his maiden success at the Czech Open back in August 2011. South African Justin Walters and Jeunghun Wang of South Korea are Fisher’s nearest rivals on 11-under after they carded second-round scores of 66 and 65 respectively. Brandon Stone is a shot further back on 10-under, while a group of three players, including England’s Eddie Pepperell, are three shots off the lead. It was not such a good day for overnight leader Louis de Jager, as he has slipped five shots off the pace after he carded a one-over-par round of 72 on Friday that included a double-bogey seven at the par-five 12th.