Open de Espana 2016: Friday Leaderboard Scores and Highlights

Pablo Larrazabal's second round effort placed him at the summit of the leaderboard at the Open de Espana on Friday as the top spots were fiercely contended.

Larrazabal leads the competition by three shots after completing a second round of 71 on Friday at a difficult Valderrama course.

England's Andrew Johnston sits in second, currently on one-under-par, behind the Spaniard.

Only Peter Hanson broke par in the morning, in what became a difficult day at the office for most on the famous course. Hanson's effort of 70 left him one-under for Friday, tied for 14th place overall. 

Here is the leaderboard after Day 2 in Valderrama:

Position	Golfer	To Par	Day 2
1	Pablo Larrazabal	-3	71
2	Andrew Johntson	-1	74
T3	James Morrison	Par	75
T3	Alejandro Canizares	Par	75
T3	Alexander Levy	Par	76
T6	Richard Bland	+1	72
T6	Pep Angles	Par	71
T6	Mike Lorenzo-Vera	-1	70
T6	Craig Lee	+1	72

The full leaderboard can be found at the European Tour's official website.

Competitors Outfoxed By Valderrama's Difficulty

Ross Kinnaird/Getty Images

Valderrama continued to prove to be one of the world's toughest courses after a frustrating day for many on Friday in Spain.

Larrazabal was the man in form as he captured the lead going into the weekend, posting a gutsy round of 71 after recording a supreme 68 on Thursday.

Joint-third placed James Morrison explained just how tough the course was, as quoted by the European Tour:

Larrazabal set the pace quickly, carding three birdies on the front-nine. but posting a bogey on the seventh hole to spoil his early effort.

However, further birdies on 14 and 17 give the Spaniard a three shot lead over the field. 

New US Masters champion Danny Willett commented on the course from home as the golfers struggled across the board:

Overnight leader Alexander Levy fell back to tie for third after a round of five-over dampened his chances of success, leaving him on level par.

Any of the top 14 could make a race of proceedings on Saturday, only several shots off the top positions.

Legendary Spaniard Sergio Garcia, whose foundation is hosting the event, lies in joint 14th after shooting an excellent round of 71 on Friday.

The European Tour shared footage of the veteran's efforts:

 Larrazabal looks value for money at the top, and if he can continue his current form and touch, the world No. 150 could cause a shock on home soil.

However, the field is tight enough for much more drama to unfold as a host of major winners and top contenders litter the positions just outside the top 10.

Martin Kaymer sits at two-over par for the tournament overnight and will be a threat going into Saturday.

All stats via the European Tour.