GOLF/Murphy's Irish Open: In an attempt to prevent his season unravelling any further, Paul McGinley has withdrawn from next week's Murphy's Irish Open at Fota Island. "Unless I take a break now, things will only get worse. I feel I need time off to rejuvenate myself for the rest of the season, and in particular the Ryder Cup," said the Dubliner, who cited "exhaustion" and "loss of form" for his unexpected decision.

This is the first time McGinley will miss the Irish Open since turning professional in 1991. "It is not a decision I took lightly," insisted McGinley, "but, looking at the overall picture, it is for the best if I have an extra week off." He plans to resume tournament play at the Smurfit European Open at The K Club in two weeks' time.

While McGinley has withdrawn from next week's tournament, another Irishman has received a late sponsor's invite to play. Philip Walton has been handed an invitation to play following the withdrawal of Spain's Raul Ballesteros due to injury. Other Irish players who have already received sponsor's invites are Richie Coughlan, Graeme McDowell, who missed the cut in his professional debut at the Great North Open yesterday, and last year's British amateur champion Michael Hoey.

Meanwhile, a sleep-deprived Sven Struver came within a stroke of the Slaley Hall course record yesterday, firing a seven-under-par 65 to take the second-round lead in the Great North Open.

Gary Murphy is the leading Irishman after a round of 72 for a score of 141, while Peter Lawrie is on 144 after a round of 73. Des Smyth is a shot further back after finishing the day with a 76.

Struver, a three-time European Tour winner, is eight-under-par, on 136, a stroke better than overnight leader Diego Borrego of Spain, who carded a 71. South African Roger Wessels, after a second successive 69, ended the day a stroke further back.

His new baby son Johan has been keeping Struver awake at night, he said, so travelling to play in a tournament provided him with much-needed sleep. His decision to come to Slaley Hall reaped dividends as his putter at last came alight, providing him with most of his seven birdies on a blemish-free card. Now Struver hopes his mediocre season can be lifted.