Noren, Molinari share Scottish Open lead

INVERNESS, Scotland, July 13 (UPI) -- Alexander Noren and Francesco Molinari were tied for the lead Friday at the halfway mark of the Scottish Open at 12-under-par 132.

Noren shot his second straight 66 in the second round. Molinari added a 70 to his course-record-setting first-round 62.

"My last nine holes I played really well the whole nine, and it felt a lot better coming in with the 66 today than the 66 yesterday," Noren said.

Ricardo Gonzalez and Matteo Manassero were a stroke behind in third place after shooting 64s.

S.S.P. Chowrasia (67) was in fifth and a group of players, including world No. 1 and defending champion Luke Donald (68), were another stroke back.

The tournament is being played at the Castle Stuart Golf Links in Inverness.