Jens Fahrbring has overcome illness to hit 64 and ensure that he finished the second round of the Italian Open with a share of the lead in Milan.

The Swede hit five birdies with just one dropped shot to reach nine-under-par after the first eight holes of the round to draw level with Lucas Bjerregaard after the Dane's fifth birdie had briefly put him out in front alone.

Speaking to reporters after the day's play, Fahrbring said: "I am quite surprised actually. I came into this week not feeling very good, I caught a cold and a fever last week in Kazakhstan on the Challenge Tour.

"Yesterday was quite a struggle so I didn't expect to play that well. Today was a bit better but I still felt very tired."

The pair hold a two-shot lead over four players including yesterday's leader Nicolas Colsaerts, who got himself back into contention after a poor start with three birdies in the space of four holes.

Rikard Karlberg is three off the pace despite posting a 15th consecutive round of 71 or under with his 67, while Martin Kaymer stayed within touch despite finished with back-to-back bogeys.

Meanwhile, Darren Clarke, Padraig Harrington, Paul McGinley and defending champion Hennie Otto all made the four-under-par cut at the end of the day.