Ryder Cup hero Phil Price is hoping to draw on his Belfry experience to produce a first home victory in the Stg£1.5million Wales Open.
Price birdied four of his last six holes for a second round 66 at Celtic Manor, two-shots behind leader Ian Poulter, the man he pipped to the last qualifying place for the European team.
Poulter, battling a bout of tonsillitis, added a 67 to his course-record equalling 65 yesterday for a 12 under halfway total of 132 and pole position in the battle for the £250,000 first prize.
Local favourite Price, who lives in nearby Newport, has had constant reminders of his memorable performance at the Belfry this week, his singles win over Phil Mickelson being constantly replayed on the tournament television service.
And the former Pontypridd man of the year plans to use memories of his vital 3&2 victory over the then world number two to boost his bid for a third tour title on Sunday.
"I'd like to think that sometime down the road it is going to be an asset to me," said the 36-year-old, who carded six birdies and no bogeys in a flawless round.
"When I am feeling particularly nervous again I will know I can play properly when I am feeling like that. Hopefully that point will come very shortly this season when I will feel nervous and I will be able to pull through.
Poulter has dropped just one shot in 36 holes but felt he could have been even further ahead if he had enjoyed some more luck on the greens.
"I could have gone really berserk," said the 27-year-old from Milton Keynes, who was on stand-by for the Ryder Cup team if any of the automatic qualifiers had pulled out injured.
"I missed half a dozen good chances but I'm very happy with the score and if I can play the way I can the last two days I feel pretty comfortable.
One player who did not know if he would be around for the weekend was pre-tournament favourite Colin Montgomerie, who carded a second round 71 to finish level par.
Montgomerie narrowly missed a 50ft eagle putt on the last and drove home to Surrey, and may have no need to return as the seven times European number one looks like missing the projected cut - which looks likely to be one under.
Graeme McDowell is sure to make the cut after today's 72 left the Portrush golfer on two under. Peter Lawrie was on the same mark, two over for the day, with six holes to play.
The news is not so good for the remainder of the Irish contingent. Paul McGinley, the 2001 champion, finished one over despite today's 70 while Philip Walton's 75 left him four over.
Damian McGrane was way off the pace on seven over after a disappointing 79 while Gary Murphy looks as though he needs a birdie at the last to get to one under and make the cut.