Irish News from Volvo China Open

Padraig Harrington

Peter Lawrie posted a second round 64 after a total of eight birdies without loss at the Volvo China Open to take finish Friday one stroke off the lead, going into the weekend on 12 under par.

Gareth Maybin is also 12 under after carding four birdies as of the10th and dropping no shots on the way home  to finish the day on 67..

Damien McGrane is 6 under par after a second round 68 with a lot of work to do if he is to repeat his victory of 2008.

Shane Lowry battled through the turn in level par and then carded two birdies on the homeward leg to finish the day with a 70 and inside the cut to stay the weekend.

Paul McGinley signed for a 76 and missed the cut on a level par total.

Padraig Harrington joins him after carding a second round 73, following a double bogey on the 15th, and will head home to Dublin as he is not entered for the Ballantine's Championship next week.