Late slip slows Moodie charge

Janice Moodie missed the chance to lead the European challenge here at the Evian Masters yesterday when she three-putted the final hole for a one under 71. But the Scot remains in contention at the halfway stage on a five under par 139, four behind Rosie Jones, of America, who added a 68 to her opening 67.

"It was careless and stupid," Moodie said of her final hole where she missed her putt from less than 18 inches. "But I'm still right in there and it promises to be an exciting weekend.There's a few of us all up near the top and two rounds to go."

Jones, 43, birdied the final two holes to lead by one from the Mexican rookie, Lorena Ochoa, with the American Juli Inkster and Sweden's Sophie Gustafson two shots back at 138.

Gustafson made her move with a spectacular finish of three birdies and an eagle.The three at the 487-yard last came via a drive, six iron and 12-foot putt. "It was the perfect way to finish," she said. "It took me from the pack into contention."

Missing from the 31 names on par or better was the world No 1, Annika Sorenstam. The defending champion, who pulled out of the Canadian Open two weeks ago because of exhaustion, carded a 73 for a one over 145. Laura Davies, the only Briton to have won the title, had a 76 for 146.