Jamie Donaldson managed to keep smiling despite the duel pressure of attempting to win the D+D REAL Czech Masters and qualify for a Ryder Cup debut.
The Welshman maintained his one shot overnight lead despite a disappointing finish to his second round 69 at Albatross Golf Resort.
The World Number 29, who can seal a Ryder Cup debut next month with a top-seven finish in Prague, had four birdies in six holes on the way as he threatened to pull clear.
But the 38 year old bogeyed two of his last three holes for a nine under halfway total.
Currently on course to qualify from the world points list, Donaldson can secure his place via the European list by earning €30,000 this week.
Playing partner Stephen Gallacher is one of those battling Donaldson for a place at Gleneagles, but the two-time European Tour winner revealed there is no tension between the pair.
“We had good fun out there, good chat all the way around,” said Donaldson. “We both played well, he got on a good run as well as me so it was good fun out there, plenty of banter.
Having turned in a one under 35, Donaldson birdied four of his next six – a tee shot to six feet at the third and long putt from off the fourth green the highlights.
But a heavy chip at the seventh led to a bogey and he also missed the green at the next, this time thinning his effort and leaving it short for a second dropped shot in as many holes to lead by one from France’s Gregory Bourdy, who went round in 67.
English trio Tommy Fleetwood, Garrick Porteous and Lee Slattery, American John Hahn and Scotland’s Gallacher tied for third on seven under.
“I played nicely again and made a lot of birdies out there today, but a few bogeys so if I can go out there tomorrow and play as well as I’ve played over the last couple of days I’ll be in a strong position going into the final round,” added Donaldson.
“Overall it was a solid day but like I said it could have been very good out there.
“I won’t dwell on the poor shots; I played two pitches at seven and eight and misjudged them both so one’s come out hot and one’s come out dead. That slowed the run down, up until that point I was really motoring.
“It’s a great golf course, it’s generous off the tee and you’re setting yourself up for birdies on a regular basis so it’s more of the same and go and attack at the weekend.
“I'm playing good stuff, today it was a really low one early doors and then the wind picked up a little but it was there for the taking so we’ll see how it pans out weather-wise and try and take the opportunities when they come.”
Gallacher, who is currently just outside the nine automatic qualifying places for Gleneagles with only this event and next week’s Italian Open left to force his way in, looked to be drifting out of contention at one over for the day through eight holes.
But five straight birdies from the 18th – including a brilliant tee shot at the third – and a further gain at the seventh saw the Dubai Desert Classic winner storm home in 31 for a 67.
The third player in the field with aspirations of making Paul McGinley’s side, Dutchman Joost Luiten, also fought back from being two over at the turn – an inward 33 seeing him safely make the cut on three under.
Bourdy, who began his day with a hat-trick of gains from the tenth, said: “I'm very happy to be in this position, it was a great round today, really solid. I really enjoy this course and enjoy this place so that’s why I’m feeling confident here.”
