England’s Simon Khan had to withdraw from last week’s Madrid Masters because of back injury but the 39-year old put that behind him to shoot a 66 and lead after two rounds of the Portugal Masters.

Khan, winner of last year’s BMWPGA Championship, had eight birdies ina round of 66 to move one stroke clear of his rivals at 13-under par on the Oceanico Victoria course at Vilamoura.

Three players in Chile’s Felipe Aguilar (66), Welshman Rhys Davies (67) and South African James Kingston (68) are tied in second place at 12-under par.

Simon Khan comfortable to be leading after day two of the Portugal Masters. (Phone - Fran Caffrey/www.golffile.ie)

Khan picked up the biggest prize cheque of his then nine-year pro career in capturing last year’s flagship event at Wentworth.

A day later he travelled to Walton Heath and qualified for the U.S. Open.

But this season has been a struggle for the passionate Arsenal football fan however the popular pro is hoping to again taste success this weekend.

“I can’t remember the last time I was leading, maybe 2007 French Open or the 2008 Scottish Open that Graeme McDowell won,” he said.

“But you sort of have to embrace the pressure reallly, and if you want to be be on the fringes on this tour, then go and go something else really.

“It’s only the shadow of your ambitions really, the pressure, and you have just got to enjoy that and take it into yourself and go and do it.”

Bizarrely, the last time Khan was anywhere like 13-under par after two rounds of a Race to Dubai event was at the Portugal Masters two years ago when he shot rounds of 66 and 68 before ending in a share of 30th position.

“It’s been a great two days and while it hasn’t been a brilliant year overall, I always feel good coming to this golf course,” said Khan.

“I also just seem to enjoy playing well in Portugal.”