GRAEME McDowell remains on course to retain his Saab Wales Open title at the Celtic Manor after a classy round of 68 yesterday left him ominously placed just one shot behind halfway leader Alexander Noren.

The Northern Irish star considers Newport a home from home after lifting the title here 12 months ago and then clinching victory for Europe at the Ryder Cup last October.

And on a day when the strong wind made conditions difficult for the whole field, he’s was delighted to finish in such a strong position.

“I’m very, very pleased, it was a tricky day,” said the 31-year-old.

“Thursday and Friday are just about positioning yourself and I would take within three or four shots of the lead so to be one off the lead is a really, really nice position to be in.

“It’s mission accomplished after two days.”

And if he can do what nobody else has managed to do in the history of this event and successfully defend his title, McDowell will be looking to do exactly the same at the US Open in a few weeks time.

“This is absolutely perfect preparation,” he added.

“I said earlier in the week I wanted to get into the mix and get the juices flowing.

“I’m on a golf course I enjoy and I’m looking forward to the rest of the weekend.”

South African Keith Horne, who headed the field after day one, slipped down the leaderboard to five under par.

His place was taken by Noren on eight under and the Finnish player is enjoying his golf.

“This is the most fun thing I know,” he said. “I want to get up here all the time and it gets easier every time.”

Also in contention on five under par is Frenchman Victor Dubuisson, who starred in the PowerPlay Golf event earlier in the week.

He battled against hayfever to remain with the leading pack.

“I’ve been really struggling because of the wind and the grass,” he explained.

“I have big allergy and sometimes I have to wait two minutes to play a shot because I cannot open my eyes. I will ask the doctor if I can take a tablet.”