Canter leads with SA's Bekker in the hunt at Catalunya Championship

Englishman Laurie Canter has taken the lead into the weekend at the 2022 Catalunya Championship, with South African golfer Oliver Bekker one shot behind on Friday.

Canter was four shots off the lead - held by Bekker, South Africa's Darren Fichardt and Jeff Winther - as he fired the lowest round of day two at PGA Catalunya Golf and Wellness in Girona.

Canter, who is aiming for a maiden DP World Tour title in Spain, made his first birdie of the day on the fifth and then holed out from the rough on the par-four sixth to sit just one behind the overnight leaders.

Birdies at 10 and 12 handed Canter the lead as he set the target at seven-under with his 67.

"I feel like I've spent half my life in this part of Spain, between here and Lumine. I think I've been to Q School six or seven times. I know it well, know a few of the local restaurants, I guess that counts - you feel comfortable," said Canter.

"I love this golf course, I love the facilities and everything about it. It's genuinely a bit of a privilege to play it. I think it's a really special place."

Bekker, who is also searching for his maiden DP World Tour win, struggled in Spain on Friday as he carded an even-par second round of 72 to remain at six-under.

"It was tough today, I struggled off the tee mostly, didn't hit a lot of fairways. If you are out of position around here, you are going to struggle, so it felt like it was 36 holes out there today. Just glad to get back in level par," said Bekker.

"The greens are a bit firmer, and playing so late, they were getting a little bit bumpy, hard to make putts. It is what it is, tomorrow, we come back luckily and fight again."

Bekker insists that he won't put too much pressure on himself this weekend as he hopes to secure his DP World