Richard Coughlan's hopes of a potentially profitable weekend at the Canadian Open in Ontario received a setback when the Birr golfer slipped to a three-over-par 75 in yesterday's second round.

This largely negated a fine opening 70, although he seems certain to make the last two rounds, poised on a one-over par and in a tie for 49th place with just a handful of competitors still out on the course.

Robert Friend leads the tournament on eight under the card, nine shots clear of Coughlan and 12 ahead of Bray's Keith Nolan, who added a second-round 73 to his opening 75 for a four-over-par total and another missed cut.