CRANS-MONTANA, Switzerland, Sept 5 AFP – Richie Ramsay has moved closer to his second European Masters title in three years by opening up a one-shot lead on Ryder Cup debutant Jamie Donaldson in Switzerland.

The Scot on Friday added a 66 to his opening 62 for a halfway total of 12 under par at the picturesque Crans Montana course, one ahead ahead of Donaldson who added a 64 to his opening 65.

American Brooks Koepka is a shot further back after consecutive rounds of 65, alongside England’s Graeme Storm, who carded a 66.

“Today was a little bit tougher, especially on the back nine, where some of the pins were very tricky,” said Ramsay, who had shared the overnight lead with Italian Edoardo Molinari.

Molinari dropped four shots off the pace with a level-par 70 in early wet conditions.

“The rain made life a bit trickier and the temperature also dropped, which made distance control difficult,” Ramsay said.

“So it was definitely harder than yesterday, but I stayed steady and my attitude was good again, so overall it was another good day’s work.”

Ramsay looked like enjoying a two-shot lead until Donaldson completed a 64 with a seventh birdie of the day.

“I played well again today, especially on the front nine,” said Donaldson, who is seeking back-to-back wins after victory in the Czech Masters sealed his place on the European team for Gleneagles.

“There are birdies to be had, but you have to play really aggressively and then you run the risk of getting yourself into trouble.

“It’s a very fair course, but it’s also a real test in places so you have to stay patient and not go too gung ho.”

Brett Rumford has shot rounds of 69 and 65, while Wade Ormsby has shot consecutive 67s to sit on 134 as the highest ranked Australians in the field.