NORD-EICHENRIED, Germany -- Sweden's Robert Karlsson had two eagles in an 8-under-par 64 Friday, beating the rain to take a two-stroke lead halfway through the BMW Open.
Karlsson, who won this tournament in 1997, was at 15-under 129 after two rounds.
"It's always good when you come back to a course where you've done well before. I didn't do too well in America," said Karlsson, who missed the cut at the PGA Championship.
France's Raphael Jacquelin was in second place. He shot a 69 a day after his 62 tied the Nord-Eichenried course record.
England's Lee Westwood was at 133. He shot a 68 to go with Thursday's 65 for his best round since 2000 when he won six European titles. Only Nick Faldo, Colin Montgomerie and Seve Ballesteros had done that.
"I haven't been in this position since my last title," Westwood said. "I suppose the competitive juices will get fired up again over the weekend."
Karlsson's eagles came on two par-5s, the 440-yard sixth hole and 580-yard 11th.
"The course is set up for long hitters, and if you play the par-5s well you have good chances here," he said.
There were two long rain delays, sending the players scurrying under umbrellas.
Ernie Els, whose round went downhill as the rain grew harder, shot a 71 to finish 10 shots behind Karlsson.
Thomas Bjorn, third on the European money list, had two early bogeys and finished with a 70 for 134. John Daly took himself out of the running with a 74 and was at 144.
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