England’s Matt Fitzpatrick completed a flawless first 36 holes to share the halfway lead with Pelle Edberg at the D+D REAL Czech Masters at Albatross Golf Resort.
The former amateur star carded three birdies and an eagle in a round of 67, giving him an 11 under par halfway total, which was matched late in the day by Swede Edberg and was one ahead of Belgian Thomas Pieters.
Pieters’ round of 68 had set a clubhouse target of ten under, which looked increasingly challenging as the wind picked up as the afternoon starters were teeing off.
But Fitzpatrick, displaying a patience which belied his 20 years, birdied the short third and added eight pars in a methodical front nine.
An up and down at the 11th took him within striking distance, and the former US Amateur Champion caught Pieters with an eagle from 20 feet on the next.
Chances came and went over the next five holes, but Fitzpatrick finally struck at the last when he converted from 20 feet.
“It was very consistent today,” he said. “I played nicely and hit a lot of greens again which is always important to keep making pars and then take your chances when you have them.
“I gave myself a few out there. I got a bit frustrated in the middle of the round when I wasn’t holing any putts; I missed a few chances but picked it up on the back nine.
“The putt on the 18th was a nice way to finish with a birdie, to pick up one more and move to the top."
Having only turned professional last year, Fitzpatrick has already had four top-ten finishes on The European Tour and was a runner-up in Switzerland last month, with a maiden victory seemingly only a matter of time.
“I’m looking forward to the weekend now,” added Fitzpatrick. “It’s another chance to put myself in contention for Sunday.
“I took a lot from contending in Crans. It was a great week for me.
“I don’t really know how to explain it but I gained a lot of experience from playing with Danny [Willett]. Matt Fitzpatrick
“He is top 30 in the world, so obviously one of the best players around. I spoke to Chubby [Chandler] the night before and he said don’t get too ahead of yourself, just take one shot at a time.
“I’ve played a lot of events this year and I feel like I have learned a lot already. It’s my dream to play professional golf.
“I don’t think I’ve realised yet how big an achievement it is to keep my card. It would be great to get to The Race to Dubai final having come from Q-School. I want to keep growing as a player and my goals are always changing. It feels like time is going so fast this year.”
Edberg charged into contention with a hat-trick of gains from the fourth and joined Fitzpatrick with a gain at the long ninth, his last.
“Like yesterday I putted really well,” Edberg said after his 67. “I holed a lot of putts and it was good off the tee and had some nice irons, so it added up to a good score.
“I couldn’t be in a better position. I’m feeling pretty good and feeling comfortable about most parts of my game.
“I feel confident so I want to see how well I can do this week.”
Dane Thorbjørn Olesen, who had missed nine cuts in ten events coming into the week, shot a 69 to be tied for fourth with English pair Sam Hutsby and Robert Dinwiddie on eight under.
