Gale force winds and the odd shower got the better of many of the competitors in the second round of the Bermuda Open at Tucker's Point Club.

With scores ranging from Ed Kirby's more than respectable four-over par 74, to several in the mid-80s, yesterday was more about damage limitation than scoring well.

Overnight leader Henrik Engdahl faired better than most, posting a five-over par 75 to move to three-over for the tournament, but Brain McCann moved to within a shot of the lead with a 73, the best round of the day.

Canadian Craig Marseilles is another shot further back after a round of 75 to add to his first round 70, and the trio of Engdahl, McCann, and Marseilles will make up the final grouping (11.20a.m.) for today's third round.

All however will be hoping for much better weather, as at times yesterday the wind was so strong that the ball was being blown across the greens before the players had a chance to line-up their putts. And Engdahl admitted to being exhausted after a near four-hour battle against the elements yesterday.

If that wasn't enough the wind forced the Swede to have to play one shot off the cart path at the par-four twelfth.

"It was a rough day, it was a really tough day," said Engdahl. "I'm totally exhausted, I've been fighting since 10 this morning, and I'm more or less dead. It was terrifying, but the wind is for everybody so you have to keep the ball low, and in play all the time, not taking chances just keeping it simple.

"I was hitting my second shot at 12 and I pulled it just a fraction and the wind took it, one bounce on the grass and on to the cart path.My relief should have been in the bushes on the other side, which was not an issue, so I just had to play it where it was."

In today's other groups, Delroy Cambridge who is still in touching distance of the leaders despite shooting a 79 yesterday, will go out with Bill Walsh and Kirby in the penultimate group.