Matt Wallace will be out to strengthen his challenge for a fourth European Tour title of 2018 when he tees off in the third round of the Sky Sports British Masters this lunchtime.

The Moor Park professional lies in second place on five-under-par at the halfway stage at Walton Heath, three shots behind fellow Englishman Eddie Pepperell, who he will partner in the final group along with Jordan Smith.

After his opening round of 67, the 28-year-old had to call on all his fighting qualities to card a level par second round as the wind dominated proceedings at the Surrey course yesterday. But following his 72, Wallace also revealed he was playing a day after his grandmother had died.

“My grandma died yesterday morning so that was quite tough,” he told the European Tour. “Today was a hard one to get through. I’m playing with a heavy heart this weekend but I’m playing for her.”

Turning to the conditions, he added: “It was just brutal today with the wind, especially with how fast the greens are and the wind buffeting off the side.

“(I’m) really helping with how I’m playing though. I felt like I left quite a few shots out there today, so that’s a positive.”

While the world number 59 is in contention for a fifth career European Tour title, fellow Moor Park professional Callum Shinkwin’s challenge ended at the halfway stage as he missed the cut by one shot.

Following an opening 70, the Bushey golfer struggled yesterday and a six-over-par 78 saw him finish on plus-four, one shot beyond the three-over cut limit.