Simon holds two-stroke lead

South African Ashleigh Simon takes a two-stroke lead into the third and final round of the ISPS Handa Ladies British Masters.

The 23-year-old from Johannesburg, who in 2007 became the second youngest winner on the Ladies European Tour, took over at the top with a superb six under par 66.

That included a magical run of five successive birdies from the fifth and then an eagle at the 10th - seven under for six holes.

Three three-putt bogeys in the final eight holes took some of the gloss off, but after posting a nine under total Simon said: "It was a good day out there.

"All my drops were three-putts. It shows that I hit it good and just left myself in some awkward positions.

"The wind did make it tricky on that back nine. I think if you can get through your front nine a few under par and the back nine just hold on you'll do well."

Wales' Lydia Hall and American Beth Allen are tied for second place.

Hall shared the first-day lead with English pair Laura Davies and Henrietta Zuel, but while she added a 71 they managed only 77 and 75 respectively.

Yet to win on the circuit, Hall had four birdies against three bogeys on her card and was only one shot off the lead before driving into the lake on the 332-yard 17th.

"I'm a little bit frustrated, but I would have taken that at the start of the week," the Bridgend golfer said.

France's Julie Greciet (69) and Gwladys Nocera (70) and Swede Mikaela Parmlid (68) share fourth place, but have four strokes to make up.