Forrest Takes One-Stroke Lead Into Weekend at Open de España

Scotland's Grant Forrest continued his love affair with the Open de España, firing a four-under-par 67 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead into the weekend at Club de Campo Villa de Madrid. Forrest, who started the day tied at five under with compatriot Connor Syme and Spain's Eugenio Chacarra, kept the mistakes off his card early with a string of par saves before finding his stride on the back nine. The 33-year-old reached nine under overall, one clear of Syme — who shot 68 — and Switzerland's Joel Girrbach, whose 66 included five consecutive birdies from the fourth hole. Chacarra, the former LIV golfer playing through a fractured toe, battled to a 69 to sit two back alongside England's Joe Dean at seven under. The Spaniard, reportedly on Europe's Ryder Cup radar, admitted he had considered withdrawing before the week. The day's biggest storyline came further down the leaderboard: Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed missed the cut at two over, failing to strengthen his grip on the season-long standings. That opens the door for Rory McIlroy, who is chasing a fifth straight Race to Dubai crown. Forrest, meanwhile, is hunting a third DP World Tour title — and his record in Spain's national open suggests he will take some stopping.