It’s been a long time since the name David Higgins was so close the top of the leader board but the Waterville golfer has put himself in position for that long overdue for Tour title after two days of the Italian Open in Turin.

Higgins birdied three of his last six holes to move to eight under par and just one behind hometown hero and former champion, Francesco Molinari plus Chile’s Felipe Aguilar and Higgins’ fellow Irishman Simon Thornton.

David Higgins one of the lead in the 2013 Italian Open. (Photo – www.europeantour.com)

The 40 year old Higgins, whose only top-three finish of a European Tour career that has spanned more than 200 events over 20 years came back in 1996, carded a three under par 69 to reach eight under at Golf Club Torino.

“I hit some nice shots and had four birdies so I’m pleased with that,” said Higgins, who currently lies 163rd on The Race to Dubai after regaining his card at Qualifying School last year.

“If you keep hitting the fairways on this course you can manage it and you get a lot of opportunities.

“It’s nice to be leading and I’m sure I’ll be in the hunt when the afternoon guys finish. This is a good course for me and if I play well I have a good chance here.”

* Story and photograph – www.europeantour.com