World No. 1 Luke Donald has timely put himself back into winning contention after shooting a flawless second round 68 to be just three shots back in the defence of his Scottish Open title at Castle Stuart in northern Scotland.

Donald birdied his second and third holes and then after 13 straight pars birdied his closing two holes to move to nine-under par and trailing Italy’s Francesco Molinari (70) and Sweden’s Alex Noren (66) who head the event on 12-under par.

Martin Kaymer in casual mode after bouncing back to form following his last place finish in France. (Photo - Stuart Adams/www.golftourimages.com)

Donald has burst back into winning form in his first event since missing the halfway cut with a shock 11-over par tally in last month’s U.S. Open.

“It was a nice way to finish with a couple of birdies and that puts me only three back,” said Donald.

“My putter just went a bit cold there for a while and couldn’t quite make some birdies when I needed but overall, it was a pretty stress-free day.”

Donald will be seeking to win his second European Tour event in three tournaments and also become first player to retain the Scottish Open.

“I came up here to Scotland to successful defend and that is what I’m here for,” he added.

“I’m working hard and also getting my game ready for next week.”

Noren is on target to secure one of the two remaining spots into next week’s British Open.

The leading player within the top-five finishes, and not already exempt, in both the Scottish Open and the PGA Tour’s John Deere Classic this week, will earn entry into golf’s oldest Major.

However Noren’s goal of contesting a fourth British Open is under threat by Argentina’a Ricardo Gonzalez and Italian teenager, Matteo Manassero who both shot 64s to be tied in third place at 11-under par.

Also India’s SSP Chowrasia (67) who is in fourth place on 10-under par is also seeking to qualify for the British Open.

Sharing sixth place with Donald is 2009 Scottish Open winner, Martin Kaymer of Germany.

The current World No. 14 ranked Kaymer birdied five of his opening seven holes on day two in an eventual round of 68.

Kaymer, who was ranked No. 1 in the world in April last year, also has turned around recent poor form including missing the cut in the U.S. Open and finishing tail of the field in last week’s French Open.

“It’s a mind-set and belief in yourself, and knowing that I can play good golf,” said Kaymer.

“It was just not happening this year, so far.

“But after having a good time off on Monday when I was back home in Dusseldorf, I got a little fortunate here and there, and then all of a sudden, you start off better than in the past.”

Phil Mickelson posted the equal lowest round of the day, an eight under par 64, to move to seven under par and also return to form after missing the cut in both the U.S. Open and last week’s Greenbrier Classic.

The triple Major winning pair of Padraig Harrington (69) and Ernie Els (70) finished a respective six under par and four under par.

However missing the four under par cut off mark was Scotland’s Ryder Cup hopeful Paul Lawrie (73 & 69) along with fellow Scots Colin Montgomerie (71 & 72) and Sandy Lyle (73 & 70).

Also cut from the event was Korean American Kevin Na (69 & 74) who received an invitation to contest his first-ever regular European Tour event.

And Paul Casey’s wretched season continued with the England gofer posting a pair of 76s for an eight over par tally.