Lawrie holds his lead at Perth, Scotland

Former British Open champion Paul Lawrie shot 3-under-par 69 Friday and increased his lead to two strokes at the Johnnie Walker Championship at Perth, Scotland.

The Scot’s 36-hole total, 8-under 136, leads Jonathan Caldwell (66), Maarten Lafeber (67) and Daniel Vancsik (69), all at 138.

Lawrie’s round included three birdies and no bogeys.

I played very well today and I hit the ball extremely solidly, Lawrie said after his round on the Gleneagles golf course. To be 8-under-par after two rounds without a bogey on my card is very pleasing.

Lawrie, who won the British Open in 1999, has five European Tour tournament victories. He has not won since taking the Wales Open in 2002.

Jose Maria Olazabal (68) leads a group of seven at 4-under 140, good for fifth place.

Among those missing the cut were Felipe Aguilar (146) and Paul McGinley (149).