PARAGUAY’S Angel Franco has a one-stroke lead over former Ryder Cup player Gordon Brand Jnr and South African Christopher Williams at the halfway mark of The De Vere Collection PGA Seniors Championship.

The South American, chasing his first Senior Tour victory, posted a level-par second- round 72 to consolidate his overnight position at the top of the leaderboard.

Scotsman Brand Jnr, who began the day level with Franco on three under par, was affected by a delay in afternoon play due to fog at De Vere Slaley Hall.

When play restarted he struggled to re-establish his rhythm, trading bogeys and birdies before a remarkable finish on the 18th hole saw him sign for a 73 to finish two under par.

The 50-year-old, runner-up to Gordon J Brand last year after an epic six-hole play-off, had to take a drop after finding the trees with his drive then left his approach well short of the green. He was heading for a double bogey finish after another poor shot but a marvellous 20ft putt to salvage a bogey five meant he ended a long day on a relative high.

“It was an adventurous finish I would say,” said Brand Jnr. “I struggled at the beginning and made some good saves and felt really good.

Then I started to play well and then the delay came. I struggled after that.

“I was going all over the place, making errors.

“On the 18th I hit the road and went behind a tree so at the end of the day I was very pleased with a 73.

“It was just adventurous. A playable golf course became wet and long.

Ian Woosnam is seven shots off the pace after a 75, while Sam Torrance retired after the sixth hole of his round with a thumb injury.