Marc Cayeux of Zimbabwe – a former winner on the European Challenge Tour – continued his golfing comeback at the Kenya Open, adding a brilliant second round 63 to his opening 65 to lead from the South African triumvirate of Titch Moore, Ian Kennedy and Ryan Reid at the halfway stage.
Moore is the best placed of the chasing pack on nine under par – three shots behind Cayeux after rounds of 63-68. Kennedy produced his own 63 on day two of the tournament to take third place on eight under, with Reid a further shot back.
The 26 year old Cayeux saw his career move in the wrong direction after his maiden Challenge Tour victory at the Stanbic Zambia Open in 2002.
Cayeux, in his first year away from his home in South Africa, did not acclimatise to, or appreciate, the rigours of life on the road as a touring professional and his form suffered badly as a result.
“I missed 11 cuts after winning in Zambia back in 2002,” said Cayuex after his seven under par 63.
“I don’t know what really happened, although I was certainly affected by the amount of traveling that the Challenge Tour involved – I wasn’t ready for that jump. I don’t think I was mature enough to handle going round the world, and my game was affected by it.
“I had been used to the comfort zone of South Africa, but I’m ready to try again now – and I would love to get back onto the Challenge Tour if I can win here this week.”
He is going the right way about it after two superb opening rounds. After a five under par 65 on Thursday, Cayeux produced a flawless Friday display, picking up seven birdies and not dropping anything on his way to a 63 round the par 70, 6901 yard Karen Golf Club.
Although he admits to having problems off the tee at the moment, Cayeux has been putting magnificently this week.
"My stats are not too hot so far this week but I have been putting very well – which has been the difference. I only hit five fairways yesterday and had 30 putts, and today I got the three wood out and managed nine fairways and 27 putts so let’s just the hope the improvements continue!”
The halfway way cut was set at three over par, with 60 players making it through to the weekend battle for the €17,600 top prize.
