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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 9:56 a.m., Friday, June 20, 2008

Golf: Kraymer takes 5-stroke lead in Germany

Associated Press

MUNICH, Germany — Martin Kraymer shot a 9-under 63 today to take a five-stroke lead after the second round of the BMW International Open.

Kraymer, the recent rookie of the year, had nine birdies for a 13-under 131 total. Francois Delamontagne shot 66 and Benn Barham 68 to share second. Henrik Stenson (68) shared fourth with four others, another stroke back.

Miguel Angel Jimenez, the leading European money-winner, struggled to a 75 and missed the 1-under cut. John Daly (72), who had three straight back nine bogies, also missed the cut.

The 23-year-old Kraymer won his first title at Abu Dhabi in January and is touted as one of Europe's most promising young players — and the German successor to two-time Masters champion Bernhard Langer.

He's attempting to become the first German winner of the event in its 20-year history.

Langer shot 72, which left him well back. On the sixth hole, after Langer had an eagle and Kraymer had a birdie, the two high-fived each other.

"It was a pleasure to watch him," Langer said. "I don't think there's any limits for him if he keeps that up. I told him, 'You're very aggressive, but you're smart at the same time, like Tiger Woods is or Phil Mickelson."'

Paul Casey (68) and Retief Goosen (69) and David Howell (69) remained near the top of the leaderboard, seven shots behind Kraymer.