The 32-year-old Scot, nephew of former Ryder Cup captain Bernard Gallacher, birdied two of the last three holes to finish on three-under 139 at Oitavos.

Even though the strong winds of the previous day abated and European Tour officials risked cutting the greens for the first time since Tuesday, scoring stayed high and Gallacher's 71 was one of the better early returns.

After winning the 2004 Dunhill Links Championship and finishing 15th on the European money list, his results slumped because of his back injury.

However, sessions with Australian Institute of Sport physio Ramsey McMaster, a fellow Scot, and fitness programmes have helped salvage Gallacher's career.

"With the winds and the course this week, it is vital to keep flexible," Gallacher told reporters.

"My back is absolutely perfect now and my immediate goal is another win."

Teshima earned his European Tour card by chipping in twice at the end of his qualifying school final round last November.

The double 2006 Japanese Tour winner is starting to make his mark in Europe, producing a second-round 69 here after finishing sixth at the TCL Classic in China two weeks ago.

Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano and rookie Martin Kaymer of Germany were a further stroke back on 141.

Barry Lane, whose victory hopes were wrecked at Oitavos in 2005 when he took a five-over-par nine at the 72nd hole, suffered another slump on Friday.

The Briton's early lead disappeared in a flurry of late dropped shots as he slid to a 75 for 144, two over.