Eamonn Darcy and Des Smyth endured a tortuous day in the second round of the Senior Open at Sunningdale.

Smyth had surprised himself by shooting 66 in the first round but he could only manage a four over 74 on Friday that left him on level par, 11 strokes behind record-setting leader Fred Funk. But Darcy missed the cut despite a sensational start to his second round.

Sam Torrance carded a 65 to lies just three shots behind 53-year-old Funk, who also shot 65 as Greg Norman and Open hero Tom Watson shot 69s to get to four under.

Cork's Denis O'Sullivan shot a 71 to lead the Irish challenge on one under, but it was a day to forget for Darcy, who opened with an eagle three at the first and then followed a bogey at the second with birdies at the third and fourth to get back to level par for the championship.

However, that was as good as it got for the Delgany man, who lurched home in 40 blows for a 72 and a five over par total - two shots outside the projected cut mark.

A thunderstorm delayed play for nearly two hours after lunch, which meant that 18 players failed to complete their second rounds.

Christy O'Connor Jnr (80) finished 11 over with Jimmy Heggarty (75) 12 over, Royal Dublin amateur Niall Lavin (80) 16 over. Former K Club professional Peter O'Hagan was five over for his round and 16 over with three holes to play.