Thomas Pieters overcame three early bogeys to shoot a second consecutive three-under-par 69 on Friday and take a one-shot lead after the second round of the Spanish Open.
The Belgian rookie, who earned his European Tour card at the same PGA Catalunya Resort in November, had a six-under 138 total to sit one shot ahead of first-round leader Eddie Pepperell of England (71) and Joost Luiten of the Netherlands (69).
Italy's Francesco Molinari had six birdies to sit two shots back after a 67.
The 22-year-old Pieters said: "I just hung in there and made some late birdies. The wind died out on the last nine and I took advantage of that."
After an opening-round 74, Australian Richard Green hit back with a 69 to sit on 143 - five shots off the lead - with local hero Sergio Garcia.
The Spaniard had six bogeys in his 74.
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