Graeme McDowell and Sergio Garcia have stormed to the top of the leaderboard at the beginning of the second day of the European Open at the London Club.

McDowell, who began his round two shots behind Ross Fisher, the overnight leader at nine under par, shot a sparkling round of 67 to set the clubhouse lead at 12 under par. Sergio Garcia, his playing partner, joined the Northern Irishman at the top of the leaderboard after a round of 64 brought him into a share of second place with Fisher at nine under.

It was not such a good day, though, for Justin Rose, who double-bogeyed the 18th for a round of 73 to finish on two under par.

Paul McGinley, striving for a top-five finish to earn a late Open spot, is in fourth place at seven under, while 48-year-old South African David Frost, trying again to become the European Tour's oldest winner, was one further back after going in the water on the third - his 12th - for a bogey four.

Rory McIlroy, the 19-year-old Ulsterman who was top amateur in last year's Open, also needs to qualify for Birkdale, but after starting with a 67 he had slipped back to four under and joint eighth with six to play.

More news to follow.