DAVID Howell is set to make the cut at the Italian Open after a standout round of five-under rocketed the Swindon-born golfer to T12 in Brescia.

The 42-year-old, who finished two-under after the first day of competition, recorded four birdies on the front nine during day two before a further pair on the back nine left him seven-under overall.

After missing the cut at last week’s BMW Championships at Wentworth – the European Tour’s flagship event - Howell responded well to his critics and is only three shots behind current leader Rafa Cabrera Bello of Spain.

Howell matched his start from day one by recording a birdie on the first before striking a par on the 492-yard second.

The turning point for Howell came in the next three holes, though, as birdies on the third, fourth and fifth put him six-under for the tournament.

Knowing pars would keep him above the cut off, Howell, ended a positive front nine with pars on the sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth holes.

An accurate shot from the tee allowed Howell to put for two on the par-three tenth, which he successfully converted – bringing his score to seven-under.

Two pars followed on the 11th and 12th before a birdie on the troublesome par-five 13th hole put Howell within reach of the top of the leaderboard.

A bogey on the 14th was the only blip in Howell’s form throughout the afternoon as further pars on the final four holes earned him a positive round of -5.

Other Wiltshire hope Laurie Canter is also enjoying a positive Italian Open. 

Canter, currently sharing sixth place, finished eight-under after day one and started day two with a par on the 10th.