Golf: Torrance extends lead: Scotsman ahead by four strokes at halfway

SAM TORRANCE, named yesterday in a list of Britain's richest sportsmen, has another pounds 50,000 in his sights after extending his lead at the Cannes Open.

The magazine Business Age put the 40-year-old Scot 21st in their table with pounds 4.5m, but that may soon need some revising if he continues his current run of form.

Torrance yesterday added a 68 to his opening 65 at the Mougins course for an 11-under-par half-way total of 133. The Scot was tired after taking a four-stroke lead over the American Jay Townsend and Sweden's Pierre Fulke. 'When you are in contention you are draining yourself and have to concentrate more. I played scrappily compared to the first round,' he said.

After 11 holes he had four birdies and three bogeys, but he then moved away from the field by pitching to eight feet at the 13th and two- putting the 14th and 16th, both par fives, for further birdies.

Townsend, from Florida, has surprised himself with his rounds of 68 and 69 this week than himself. 'I'm lucky to be playing,' the 32-year- old said. 'I've a very bad neck and am taking a lot of medication to try to cut the pain.'

CANNES OPEN (Cannes Mougins) Leading second- round scores (GB or Irl unless stated): 133 S Torrance 65 68. 137 J Townsend (US) 68 69; P Fulke (Swe) 68 69. 138 D Clarke 69 69; G Brand Jnr 70 68; S Ames (Tri) 72 66; W Riley (Aus) 69 69; R Karlsson (Swe) 67 71; S Luna (Sp) 69 69; T Johnstone (Zim) 69 69. 139 A Coltart 68 71; R Claydon 72 67; G Evans 69 70; H Clark 70 69; C Montgomerie 70 69; R Drummond 69 70; D J Russell 69 70; B Lane 68 71. 140 S Grappasonni (It) 68 72; B Nelson (US) 71 69; T Price (Aus) 69 71; J Robinson 66 74; G Orr 69 71; J Payne 72 68; R Davis (Aus) 71 69; G Turner (NZ) 72 68. Selected: 142 I Woosnam 72 70.