BOURNEMOUTH'S Gary Emerson suffered a bad case of the Belfry blues as he crashed out of the Benson and Hedges International Open yesterday.

The 38-year-old Broadstone touring professional failed to build on a promising opening round with a seven-over-par 79 on the second day of the £1.1 million event on the demanding Brabazon course.

Emerson, who carded a 73 on Thursday, finished eight over par to miss the half way cut by five strokes.

Two drop shots in the first three holes was then compounded by a double bogey sixth on the ninth hole

"I am a bit short on confidence at the moment," said a dejected Emerson.

"I chose the wrong club at the ninth and found the water and any hope a recovery after that vanished."

Emerson went on to drop a further shot at the 11th and chalked up his second double bogey with a five on the 14th after his tee shot plugged in a green side bunker.

The only birdie for Emerson was at the 413-yard 16th hole.

"I need to work on a few things over the next few days and try to get my confidence back for the German Masters next week," added Emerson.

First round leader Greg Owen is in a three-way tie at the top of the leader-board going into today's penultimate round.

He is on six-under-par with Ryder Cup star Colin Montgomerie and South African Roger Wessels.

Peter Baker fired a 68 to reach halfway on the five-under-par mark of 139.

Baker has spent nine years trying to recapture the form that made him such a star at the 1993 Ryder Cup at The Belfry. Now the 34-year-old from Wolverhampton hopes he has - on the very same course.