Day two digest: 2022 Dutch Open

Everything you need to know from day two of the 2022 Dutch Open.

Ricardo raced ahead, Li went low, Thomas was flopping brilliant and Wil had a big fan in round two at Bernardus Golf.

Here is everything you need to know from Friday in Cromvoirt.

Gouveia edges ahead

Ricardo Gouveia birdied two of his last three holes to leapfrog long-time leader Li Haotongand take a one-shot lead into the weekend. Li had played nine holes in just 29 blows for the second time this season as he carded a brilliant 63 to set the target at nine under. It seemed for a long time that the Chinese would lead the way after 36 holes but Gouveia made a move with an eagle on the 12th and then produced his big finish to get to double figures after a 66. “I made a lot of birdies so far and I think that shows my putting has been good the last couple of days and I hope I can continue into the weekend," said the Portuguese. Englishman Matt Wallace was at eight under after a 67 alongside Pole Adrian Meronk, who carded a 68.

Li feeling confident

Li revealed he was full of confidence as he continued his recent resurgence with a brilliant 63. The Chinese is a two-time winner on the DP World Tour but endured a difficult 2021, with 13 missed cuts and a retirement from 16 appearances. The new season has brought new hope, however, and Li already has two top tens and just two missed cuts from seven appearances so far. His 63 at Bernardus Golf matched his lowest round of the campaign and the 26-year-old was pleased to have his belief back. "I felt like the swing didn’t change much and the ball flight didn’t change much, a lot of confidence and self belief," he said. "I need to be myself and stay calm and hopefully I can shoot another couple of rounds like this.”

Almost perfect from Pieters

Golf is a game where you can do everything right and not get your reward. This flop-shot from Thomas Pieters is a classic of the genre but the pin denied him perfection. It's still some shot, mind.

Besseling brings the noise

You always expect the home fans to be vocal in support of their local heroes but this one spectator was particularly pleased when Wil Bessling birdied the 16th.

No putter for Pepperell

Everyone is pleased to see Eddie Pepperell back on form and everybody loves a hole-out from the sand.