CLITHEROE'S Kirsty Taylor -- who posted the best result of her career when she came second in last week's British Open -- shot a four under 68 to take the half-way lead in the Compaq Open in Sweden.

Taylor leads a close-knit field with Kathryn Marshall and Juli Inkster one shot behind in the Malmo event.

"I've never led before," said a delighted Taylor, who was second after the first round.

"The weather was much better today although there was still a bit of wind. I'm surprised that the scoring wasn't better -- I didn't think I would be leading."

The 29-year-old's 68 took her to six under for the tournament, a score which she said she is pleased with, although it could have been better.

"I dropped a shot at the first which was annoying as I was just off the green and it was difficult to see because of the shadows. I took my putter and ended up three putting. But it was my only dropped shot amongst five birdies which is good."

A strong finish with birdies at the seventh and ninth took Taylor ahead of the field. Her playing partner, Kathryn Marshall, was joint leader on four under after 13 holes, but the Scot could only match Taylor's birdie at seven, not at nine.