Swedish teenager Marcus Kinhult became the first amateur to lead at the halfway stage of a European Tour event since Shane Lowry in 2009 after another eye-catching performance in the Nordea Masters.
Kinhult, who won the prestigious Lytham Trophy by eight shots last month, added a second round of 68 to his opening 67 at PGA Sweden National to share the lead with compatriot Jens Dantorp on nine under par.
Lowry went on to win the 2009 Irish Open in a play-off with Robert Rock, who at least had the consolation of claiming the first prize as Lowry was ineligible.
Starting on the back nine, Kinhult – who played for Europe in the junior Ryder Cup last year – birdied the 12th and 17th to reach the turn in 34 and then picked up another shot on the par-five first, the easiest hole on the course.
The 18-year-old, who is currently third in the world amateur rankings, dropped his first shot since the sixth hole on Thursday afternoon when he three-putted the same par three from long range, but responded immediately with a birdie from 10 feet on the next.
The ninth hole was playing the hardest on the course at 476 yards back into the wind and Kinhult looked in danger of falling foul of the daunting par four when he found a fairway bunker off the tee.
However, he produced a superb approach from 190 yards to 15 feet and calmly rolled in the birdie putt to the delight of the large crowds.
“That was a lot of fun. I had a great time out there,” Kinhult said. “It felt great coming in those last few holes with bigger crowds and I managed to make two big putts too, so that was a great feeling.
“I saw my name on the leaderboard, it was hard to avoid, but I tried to just stick to the game plan and focus on what I could affect and I managed to do that pretty well, so I’m happy with that and where I am in the tournament.
“It’s pretty special to play a European Tour event, this is only my second time doing that. And to play at home in Sweden makes it even more special.
“I’m just going to try to stick to my game plan and keep doing the things that have brought me here.
“The Lytham Trophy win gave me a lot of confidence. I haven’t had that many wins before, so to get one there was a great feeling and a big boost to my confidence.”
Kinhult, who plays at the same club as five-time European Tour winner Barry Lane on the west coast of Sweden, added: "Barry is a great guy. We've practised a few times together and this year in April we played with Joel Sjoholm as well – he's also from the same golf club.
“Barry won by four shots or something. He gives me some great advice and I think I can learn a lot from him.”
Kinhult led for most of the day and was only caught late on when Challenge Tour player Dantorp, in the penultimate match, also added a 68 to his opening 67.
“It was good fun out there,” Malmo native Dantorp said. “The crowds and the fan club were so good.
“I was feeling a bit tired towards the end of the day, but hearing the crowd cheering gives me new energy. I was looking at the leaderboards trying to catch Marcus and I did.
“I’ve never played with Marcus so it’ll be nice to see how he plays and to try to beat him. I’m trying to stay cool and tell myself it’s just another round of golf tomorrow.”
The Swedish pair were two shots ahead of compatriot Sebastian Soderberg and Germany's Max Kieffer, with another home player, Alex Noren, a shot further back alongside English duo Eddie Pepperell and Tom Lewis.
Pre-tournament favourite and world number four Henrik Stenson is seven shots off the lead after three birdies and three bogeys in his 72.
Peter Lawrie remains the best of the Irish in action after the Dubliner carded a one-under 71 to move to four under and a share of 13th position.
Michael Hoey eagled the par-five eighth hole in a four-under 68 to get to two under, one clear of fellow Ulsterman Gareth Maybin, who carded a 71.
Kevin Phelan carded a level-par 72 but misses the weekend action after finishing on four over, while Damien McGrane's 71 left him a shot further back.
