Jimenez seizes lead at Italian Open

Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain shot a 4-under 68 Friday to take the early clubhouse lead in the second round of the Italian Open.

Jimenez was at 1 over after eight holes after starting on the back nine, but eagled the par-5 18th by holing a lob wedge from 65 yards.

He then birdied three of the next five holes for a 7-under total of 137.

Joint overnight leader Paul Lawrie slipped to a 73 to sit three shots back. The three other overnight leaders - Graeme Storm, Robert Rock and Marcus Fraser - had yet to start their second rounds.

Oliver Fisher of England held a share of the lead after making four birdies on his first 10 holes, but then dropped four shots to finish with a 73.