Thornton leads at Madeira Islands Open

Published May. 20, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

foxsports

Ireland's Simon Thornton shot a 6-under 66 on Friday to take a one-stroke lead over France's Francois Delamontagne after the second round of the Madeira Islands Open.

Thornton had an eagle, five birdies and a bogey to reach 7 under at Porto Santo Golf, the Seve Ballesteros-designed course that features 500-foot seaside cliffs. Delamontagne shot a 70.

England's Chris Gane, the first-round leader, had a 72 to join countryman Jamie Elson (68) at 5 under in the event sanctioned by the European Tour and the developmental European Challenge Tour.