Canadian Open: Graeme McDowell in battle as Matt Kuchar and Scott Brown lead

Graeme McDowell hopes for a strong performance in Canada to qualify for the July Open Championship Canadian Open second-round leaderboard-12 S Brown (US), M Kuchar (US); -11 B Snedeker (USA), N Taylor (Can); -10 W Simpson (USA); -9 A Hadwin (Can) Other selected: -8 G McDowell (NI), S Lowry (Ire); -7 R McIlroy (NI); -6 D Willett (Eng); -4 B Koepka (US), D Johnson (US)

Graeme McDowell from Northern Ireland shot a row of three under 65 on coach leaders Matt Kuchar and Scott Brown with four shots after round two of the Canadian Open.

McDowell dropped two shots, but hit five birdies in his round to go down to eight.

Shane Lowry from Ireland is also eight under with Northern Ireland & Rory McIlroy seven under.

American Brandt Snedeker struck eight birdies and an eagle in his round of 60 to move within one shot of the leaders.

McDowell hopes for a strong show to get a place in The Open Championship in his native Portrush in July.

The three best finishers in the top 10 in Canada who have not yet secured open spaces deserve the right to play at Royal Portrush.

However, it was Snedeker who made the best lap of the day to finish third with Canadian Nick Taylor (65).

"Put my, when I get a beach ball in front of the hole [looks like]. Today I felt that way," said Snedeker, a nine-time PGA Tour winner.

"I made a few putts early to get the momentum in and just gave myself many opportunities, did a good job of staying patient, bringing the ball into play, played on my strengths.

"If you make a lot of putts and get so hot, it's very nice."

Danny Willett from England is six shots of the lead after carding two-under 66 in his second round.

Defending US Open champion and recent USPGA winner Brooks Koepka and world number two Dustin Johnson are both four under.