Karlsson breaks course record to lead Italian Open

By Norman Dabell

MILAN (Reuters) - Swede Robert Karlsson broke the Tolcinasco course record with an 11-under 61 to surge into the lead at the halfway stage of the Italian Open on Friday.

Confusion over his qualification for Sawgrass meant Karlsson had decided to stick to his schedule of playing in Italy rather than travel to the United States for the Players' Championship.

A scintillating two-eagle, eight-birdie return showed the world number 48 might reap richer dividends in Europe this week.

His card, also containing 12 threes, hauled him through the field to sit two strokes in front of South African Hennie Otto and Britain's Mark Foster, who both shot 66.

Argentine Estanislao Goya (67), the current lower-rated European Challenge Tour money-list leader, and Dane Anders Hansen (65) are two strokes further back.

The overnight joint leader Marco Ruiz of Paraguay (70) is in a large group at 10-under.

Karlsson admitted the so far unattained 59 on the European Tour had "crossed my mind" but the 2006 Ryder Cup player was still delighted to equal his career-best return which gives him a chance of an eighth title.

"I was never really sure I would make Sawgrass and I thought if I could play well here it would be for the best," Karlsson told reporters.