TARANTO, Italy – Mianne Bagger’s bid to become the first transsexual woman to qualify for the Ladies European Tour remained firmly on course as she retained the lead after the second round of the qualifying school.

The 37-year-old Australian-raised Dane struck a one over par 73 to her opening 70 to share the lead on one under par 143 with Mikaela Parmlid from Sweden, who had a 72 and Miriam Nagl from Germany who added to her second round 71 to her opening level par effort.

Anna Highgate from Wales, the first round co-leader with Bagger, slipped to a two over 74 and sits in a tie for fourth spot.

But it is Bagger who is proving to be the toughest nut to crack.

“I struck it much better today which was a lot different to yesterday, but I didn’t putt half as well,” admitted Bagger, who was awarded the opportunity to attend qualifying school when the LET changed its previous ‘must be female at birth’ stipulation to mirror the International Olympic Committee’s recommendations on trans-gender athletes.

“To be tied for the lead after two rounds gives me a comfortable feeling and I’m in a good position to realize my ambition,” she added.

The top fifty players and ties will reach the final round on Wednesday with the top 30 and those tied after four rounds earning a full exemption to the 2005 season.

All players who make the cut – which will be decided after Tuesday’s third round – but who finish outside the top 30 places will receive conditional playing privileges next year.