Casey shares lead in Spain

TENERIFE, Spain, April 25 (UPI) -- Paul Casey and Miles Tunnicliff both shot a 65 Friday that left them tied for the lead after two rounds of the Open de Espana.

On another day of very low scoring, Casey and Tunnicliff finished two shots in front at 15-under 129. Those tied at 131 included Simon Khan, Peter Lawrie, Santiago Luna and Jose Maria Olazabal.

Olazabal was the lowest European in the field two weeks ago at the Masters, where he finished eighth.

The leading total posted by Casey and Tunnicliff was the lowest in relation to par after 36 holes on this year's European Tour.

Casey, a winner at this season's ANZ Championship in Australia, started at the 10th and made the turn in 32. He completed his round with a 15-footer for birdie at the par-4 ninth.

"I've not usually performed well after a break before, but I've been playing a lot at home in Arizona," Casey said. "It's kept me sharp. It was almost a relief when last season ended because I was tired, but then I played with Justin Rose in the World Cup and finished third and possibly that was a turning point."

Tunnicliff, who recorded his first European Tour title in emotional fashion at The Great North Open last summer only two weeks after the death of his mother, was also in good form. He made six birdies on the front ine.

"I've never been 15 under par after two rounds before," Tunnicliff said. "But I feel comfortable with my game and I'm looking forward to the weekend."

Defending champion Sergio Garcia, trying to become the first player in 50 years to win the title two years in a row, was seven shots off the lead at 8-under 136.

The outburst of low scores created a 36-hole cut of 6-under 138, the lowest in relation to par in tour history.