Karlsson has record at Italian Open

MILAN, Italy, May 9 (UPI) -- Robert Karlsson set a course record with an 11-under-par 61 Friday and owns a 2-stroke lead halfway through the Methorios Capital Italian Open.

Karlsson had a pair of eagles en route to breaking the record at Castello di Tolcinasco Golf and Country Club and is at 15-under 129 after 36 holes of the tournament.

Hennie Otto and Mark Foster are tied for second at 13-under 131 while Estanislao Goya and Andres Hansen were in fourth at 11-under.

Karlsson, playing the back nine first Friday, opened with three consecutive birdies but gave a stroke back at the par-4 13th hole after hitting his drive into the water. He responded two holes later with his first eagle of the day to get to 4-under for the round.

After three pars, Karlsson put together a 29 for the front side, starting with an eagle at No. 1. He parred No. 2 but had four birdies in the next five holes. Counting par 3s at Nos. 5 and 8, Karlsson's card showed six consecutive 3s. He finished with a birdie 4 for his 61, one stroke better than the course mark.

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