PORTIMAO, Portugal -- Defending champion Paul Broadhurst shot a 3-under 69 and extended his lead to two strokes halfway through the Algarve Open on Friday.

The 40-year-old Englishman made up for three bogeys with six birdies to go 11-under. Frenchman Christian Cevaer trailed with a 69 at the Le Meridien Penina course in southern Portugal.

Christian Nilsson of Sweden (71) is another shot back, followed by fellow countrymen Jarmo Sandelin (70) and Matthias Eliasson (67), who finished four shots behind the leader.

Broadhurst found the water at the fifth hole.

"It felt like a visit to the dentist's out there," Broadhurst said. "But I persevered, and my short game got me out of trouble."

Broadhurst, who hasn't won a title since his win in Portugal last year, equaled the course record with a 64 for a one-stroke lead after the first round.

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