Defending Tayto Northern Ireland Open in partnership with Ulster Bank champion Clément Sordet surged up the leaderboard after a second round seven under par at Galgorm Castle Golf Club.
The Frenchman was forced to complete his first round on Friday morning after Thursday’s six-hour delay due to heavy rains, eventually signing for a level par 71.
In his second round, the two-time European Challenge Tour winner, carded a bogey-free 64 to record the best score of the tournament so far. He currently shares fifth place with four other golfers.
“I had a bogey-free round, and it feels pretty good to shoot seven birdies and see the ball going in the hole,” said Sordet.
“I hit the ball really well and made some great up and downs. In the first round I didn’t make any putts, but I tried to stay positive. That’s why I shot seven under in the second round.”
Sordet faced a quick turnaround after finishing his first round, heading back out on to the course after just a 35-minute break to start his second round.
“I teed off on Thursday at seven o’clock and played nine holes on Friday morning, so I had 35 minutes between rounds.
“It was hard to go back out there, but I did a pretty good job. I was even par after my first round and now I’m close to the lead.
“It was pretty windy and hard to score, but I hit some really good shots and found the right spots on the greens.
“I’m not thinking about defending my title, but it would be nice to win it two years in a row.”
