DAVID Howell was delighted to successfully batten down the hatches and remain on the straight and narrow with two successful days at the Open de España.

The 39-year-old got himself off to a promising start at the Real Club de Golf El Prat near Barcelona on Thursday, carding a one-under-par opening round, which could have been even more profitable but for a double-bogey on the par-four 17th hole.

Howell then continued on an upward curve and followed up with a fine round of three-under on the second day of competition this morning, leaving the Broome Manor pro, who finished within the top four in his last two European Tour events in China, in the hunt once again.

“It’s been two good days,” said Howell.

“The first day could have been a really good day but just finished up being a nice one and the second was a positive one.

“I was disappointed with that double on the second-last hole (yesterday) but I got myself an early birdie on the second hole of my second round and that set me up.

“It’s been hot and windy – it was 35 degrees (on Thursday) and the wind was 25 mph - and I’ve dealt with the conditions quite well.

“If you don’t find the fairway, it can be really difficult to make the green. There have been some big scores out there but I’ve managed to play quite nicely.

“I’ve made it through into a position to win the tournament in my last two events and that can only help my confidence.

“All I can do is keep doing what I’m doing and that should help me continue this good run of form that I’m in.”

The third round of the Open de España tees off tomorrow morning.