Italian Veronica Zorzi held a two-stroke lead at the end of the second round of the SAS Ladies Masters.

Zorzi shot a five-under 68, including four birdies, for a two-round total of 12 under, two shots ahead of Lisa Holm Sorensen at the Larvik Golf Club in Norway.

The Italian said: "I just stayed patient and hit the fairways and greens and made some putts.

"I can read the lines pretty well so I am feeling comfortable."

Sorensen had led after the first round but she hit a second-round 74 to finish on 10 under, one shot ahead of AIB Ladies Irish Open winner Diana Luna, with Laura Cabanillas of Spain fourth on eight under.

Four Britons were among seven women tied for fifth.

Samantha Head had ended the first round joint second, but a level-par 73 saw the Bedfordshire woman finish today five shots adrift of Zorzi at seven under.

Head was joined by Rebecca Hudson, Melissa Reid and Trish Johnson.