Bjorn lapped up more perfect conditions at Mount Juliet in Co Kilkenny to move into a share of fifth place on five under, although with the leaders out last - and led by Tiger Woods on seven under - he knew there was no point resting on his laurels at that point.

Conqueror of Woods in Dubai last season, when they went head-to-head all four days, Bjorn resumed with two birdies and then picked up further strokes on the fifth, eighth and 10th - all par fives.

His form was in stark contrast to that of team-mate Darren Clarke, who dropped to last place.

Already three over after finishing his first round with a double bogey, the Dungannon man turned in 37 and had further bogeys at the 12th and 13th.

Colin Montgomerie and Bernhard Langer, possible partners at The Belfry next week as they were at Valderrama five years ago, were paired together as luck had it.

Both level par overnight, Montgomerie had birdies at the first, fifth and seventh, but on the long next bunkered his second shot, went over the green from there and took six.

With eight to play he was two under, while Langer was three under – a fine effort considering he was four over after four holes yesterday.

New Zealander Michael Campbell covered the front nine in 31 with an eagle three birdies and with that went into a tie for second place on six under with Americans David Toms and Steve Lowery.