Bland remains in Nordea Masters hunt (From Daily Echo)

Bland remains in Nordea Masters hunt

5:52pm Thursday 7th June 2012 in Golf By Gordon Simpson, Senior Sports Reporter

RICHARD Bland picked up another two shots today as his Nordea Masters challenge continued.

The Stoneham pro moved to seven-under-par for the tournament after posting a second round score of 70 in Sweden.

Bland had started the day in a tie for second, but will now go into the final 36 holes tied for tenth.

His hopes of securing a maiden European Tour win are harmed by the sight of world number three Lee Westwood at the top of the leaderboard.

Westwood’s magnificent eight-under-par round of 64 took him to 12-under for the tournament, three clear of the field.

Bland remains on course for an important result, though, as he looks to improve on his standing in the season money list.

The Southampton-based player is currently 158th in the Race to Dubai rankings and will need a top 115 finish at the season’s end to secure his playing rights for next year.

Fellow Hampshire pro Sam Hutsby missed the cut, after finishing four-over.