Frost flourishes in Wales Open

NEWPORT, Wales, June 1 (Reuters) South African David Frost continued to flourish on the European Tour when the 47-year-old moved to within two strokes of the early second round lead in the Wales Open today.

A five-under 64, only a shot away from the best score of the week, took Frost to six-under-par 132, two strokes adrift of clubhouse leader Mads Vibe-Hastrup of Denmark, who equalled the week's best score in Wales with a 63.

Frost, a multiple winner on the PGA Tour, with past wins in Europe, has returned to his original tour this year as a means of warming up for seniors golf.

His return has proved as successful as he hoped, with a second place in the Madeira Island Open in March and a current 97th spot on the European Tour money list, a placing that would easily earn him a card for next year if he can sustain it.

For his first Wales Open, Frost is delighted to find the Celtic Manor course familiar, a further boost to his ambition of playing in Europe until he reaches 50.

''The course reminds me of North American courses,'' Frost told Reuters. ''The same sort of grass, a bit like the Canadian Open.

''I'm enjoying it, only two bogeys in two days and I hope I can sneak in for a win at the weekend.

''I've made some swing changes to come back to the European Tour and I hope to get enough invitations now to make sure I get my card and then play here again next year -- before going on to the seniors.'' Vibe-Hastrup, 149th on the European money list and yet to win a full tour title, became the surprise front-runner with an eagle and five birdies on an unblemished card.

The Dane heads two Scots by a stroke, Alastair Forstyth (65) and Steven O'Hara (66).

Britain's Paul Broadhurst, leading going into the final round of last week's PGA Championship before a collapse to 20th place at Wentworth, is with Frost in the group two strokes off the pace.

Start of play was delayed for nearly two hours because of fog, following a two-hour first round suspension because of steady rain yesterday.

Reuters SAM RN2155