Molinari holds lead at Portugal Masters

VILAMOURA, Portugal, Oct. 16 (UPI) -- Italy's Francesco Molinari shot 6-under-par 66 Friday, but his lead dropped to one stroke at the European Tour's Portugal Masters at Vilamoura.

Molinari's 36-hole total is 15-under 129. His opening 9-under 63 had given him a two-stroke lead over four others.

"I have had a good couple of days and I have been playing very well," he said. "(But) I know that it is going to be a tough weekend." South Africa's Carl Schwartezel shot 7-under 65 Friday on a day dominated by low scores and, at 14-under 130, is alone in second place.

Ireland's Padraig Harrington (62) is at 13-under 131, alone in third.

Two-time U.S. Open champion Retief Goosen (64) of South Africa and Spain's Pablo Martin (66) share fourth place at 12-under 132.

Defending champion Alvaro Quiros (65) of Spain joined two others at 11-under 133, tied for sixth.