Howell leads by one stroke in Scotland

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ST. ANDREWS, Scotland, Oct. 8 (UPI) -- David Howell held a one-stroke lead over Luke Donald Friday at the halfway mark of the Dunhill Links Championship in Scotland.

The 29-year-old Howell had a 14-under-par 130 and fellow Englishman Donald was at 131 after both shot 65 in the second round.

The two front-runners both played on Europe's Ryder Cup team for the first time this year.

Louis Oosthuizen also shot 65 and held third place at 133 and first-round leader Graeme McDowell, Richard Sterne and Jamie Donaldson shared fourth at 134.

McDowell had an even-par 72, 10 strokes higher than his score in the opening round.

World No. 2 Ernie Els was six shots off the lead and No. 1 Vijay Singh was eight shots back.

"Because of the Ryder Cup there are a number of feel-good factors and I think most guys feel good about themselves at the moment," Howell said, referring to Europe's victory over the United States in the recent cup matches.

"But I am also swinging the club very well just now and hitting lots of good shots, so maybe I am walking a half an inch taller."