after a sizzling second round 65 yesterday at the par-71 Port Royal Golf Course.

Under cloudless, blue skies Donald thrived while joint overnight leaders Stuart Hendley and Bob Mucha plummeted under the weight of a two-over-par 73, falling into a fourth place tie.

After two days Donald has a total of 135 compared to 142 for Mucha and Hendley.

Donald, who in 1989 won the Anheuser-Busch Classic and was defeated by Hale Irwin in a play-off for the 1990 US Open, put his pedigree on show at the luscious layout in the west end.

His long and short games worked in perfect tandem, leaving onlookers in awe of near flawless shot placement.

However, breathing down the neck of Donald is another American James Becker of Millbrook Golf Club.

Becker's second round 67 and overall 137 placed him two shots off the leadership, giving him a solid shot at the title.

Standing third is Craig Marseilles, his 68 giving him 138.

Kim Swan remained the top local professional, his 75 converting to 146, a stroke better than fellow Bermudian Dwayne Pearman, who shot 74 for a 147 total.

Among the amateur section Henry Ascento continued to head the pack after shooting 73.

This followed a first day 71, giving him 144 and a seven stroke cushion ahead of youngster Robbie Spurling who ballooned to a seven over 78 and 151 overall.

Another local teenager, Quinton Sherlock Jr., moved into a tie for third as his 76 moved him to 153, the same as John Auclair.

Also lurking is the spectre of Eldon Raynor, although yesterday's 81 did little to distinguish the veteran cricketer as a legitimate threat.

For those wallowing in the middle of the pack today's round is crucial as only the top 50, plus ties, will be allowed to continue playing into Sunday's final round.

HENRY ASCENTO -- Eighth overall and top amateur at the halfway stage of the Bermuda Open at Port Royal.