Graeme Storm took a three-shot lead at the halfway stage of the European PGA Tour’s KLM Open at Hilversum on Friday, following up his opening round of 63 with a 66.

The Englishman ended the day at 11 under, three clear of Scott Jamieson, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and Peter Hanson.

Hanson was one of three European Ryder Cup players in the field and in contention. Nicolas Colsaerts shot 65 to reach five under, while Martin Kaymer — the winner here in 2010 — is a shot further back.

Although he is eager to secure a second European Tour title, Storm admits his primary focus remains securing a top-115 finish in The Race to Dubai after a disappointing season so far.

He currently lies 114th, with the closing stages of the season fast approaching.

“It is a big struggle missing so many cuts,” he said of his poor run of form.

“The goal for me still is to keep my card, even though I am leading. If someone comes through then so be it, I just need my card for next year.”

Together with Belgium’s Colsaerts, Spain’s Fernandez-Castano was the pick of the morning starters, carding four birdies and an eagle either side of a solitary dropped shot.

“I think I could have hit the ball better but my scoring was very good thanks to my short game,” he said.

“Overall I am very happy with eight under after two rounds. This is one of my favourite courses of the year. It gets the best out of my game.”

Swede Hanson made solid progress in a second successive 66, mixing 15 pars with two birdies and an eagle at the par-five 12th.

Jamieson, who started at the tenth, roared into contention after picking up six shots in the first 10 holes of his round, but lost his outright hold on second with a bogey at the sixth.

Pablo Larrazabal of Spain and India’s Shiv Kapur shared fifth, two behind the second placed trio, while Ireland’s Simon Thornton finished with an eagle to match Jamieson’s 64 and move into the group at five under.