Swede Karlsson breaks course record

Swede Robert Karlsson broke the Tolcinasco course record with an 11-under 61 to surge into the lead at the halfway stage of the Italian Open.

Confusion over his qualification for Sawgrass meant Karlsson had decided to stick to his schedule of playing in Italy rather than travel to the United States for the Players' Championship.

A scintillating two-eagle, eight-birdie return showed the world number 48 might reap richer dividends in Europe this week.

His card, also containing 12 threes, hauled him through the field to 15-under-par, two strokes in front of South African Hennie Otto and Britain's Mark Foster, who both shot 66.

Argentine Estanislao Goya (67), the current lower-rated European Challenge Tour money-list leader, and Dane Anders Hansen (65) were two strokes further back.

Marcus Fraser was the best Australian after a consecutive 67 left him five off the pace.

The overnight joint leader Marco Ruiz of Paraguay (70) was in a large group at 10-under.

Karlsson admitted the so far unattained 59 on the European Tour had "crossed my mind" but the 2006 Ryder Cup player was still delighted to equal his career-best return which gives him a chance of an eighth title.

"I was never really sure I would make Sawgrass and I thought if I could play well here it would be for the best," Karlsson told reporters.

"I'm in Ireland next week, so it's really good for travelling and maybe it's worked out for the best."

Britain's Oliver Wilson is on nine-under after using a wedge to putt for nine holes, during which he picked up three birdies. The Englishman with six second places to his name, including two this year, bent his putter by rapping it on his bag in a mild show of petulance.

Twice major champion John Daly (73) qualified for the final two rounds, right on the cut-off of four-under.