Argentine Vancsik hits front at Italian Open

By Norman Dabell

TURIN, Italy (Reuters) - Argentina's Daniel Vancsik wielded his putter like a magic wand to open a one-stroke lead after the Italian Open second round on Friday.

The 32-year-old, who claimed his only previous win in Europe at the 2007 Madeira Islands Open, fired a six-under 65 for a nine-under total of 133.

Overnight leader Gareth Maybin of Britain (70) was second on 134, one ahead of fellow countryman Anthony Wall (67), Finn Roope Kakko (64) and Iceland's Birgir Hafthorsson (65).

The big-hitting Vancsik has had a torrid time of late and lies 190th on the European money-list.

"It is good to hit long but in the past I've played well for two days then hit the ball all over the place," Vancsik told reporters.

"Now I'm working on hitting the driver straighter. Today I putted great too, my problem for the last two months."

Maybin is aiming for a maiden title after losing a playoff in the South African Open earlier this season.

European Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie missed the cut for the second week in succession.