Drummond waltzes up leaderboard in Vienna

Shropshire's Scott Drummond is set to contend for his first European title in five years - and only the second of his career — this weekend.

The Shrewsbury-born professional found himself in third position in the Austrian Open in Vienna after completing his second round this morning.

Drummond fired a brilliant round of 64 yesterday and birdied his last two holes today for a 68.

That left him on 10-under-par and three shots behind leader Benn Barham.

But the 35-year-old Drummond is well placed to pounce as he bids to add to his only previous success in the flagship PGA Championship at Wentworth in 2004.

"I'm delighted," he said following his opening round. "It's my lowest round of the season - and for the last few seasons, in fact.

"I don't feel I have hit the ball better at any point in my career and I feel comfortable where I am at."

Drummond is in desperate need of some strong finishes.

He lies 158th on the money list with only the top 115 retaining their card for next year.

• James Busby, professional at The Shropshire Golf Centre in Telford, returned a 71 at Chart Hills in Kent yesterday and is second going into today's final round of the first stage of European Tour Qualifying School. The top 21 qualify for the second stage in November in Spain.

By JAMES GARRISON