Defending champion Miguel Angel Jiménez showed that he is in excellent shape for his Ryder Cup debut next week when he posted a seven under par 64 to open up a three stroke lead at the halfway stage of the Trophée Lancôme at Saint-Nom-La-Breteche.
Jiménez, who won the title in dramatic fashion last year with a fabulous chip-in at the 72nd hole, leads with a 10 under par total of 142. His dramatic chip won him the title and the Canon Shot of the Year – and already the 35 year old Spaniard has his sights set on further glory at the French venue.
Worthing’s Gary Evans is Jiménez’s closest pursuer after a round of 64 of his own, which leaves him three adrift of the Ryder Cup rookie. It was a gallant effort by the Englishman, who required medical attention during his round due to a stomach complaint.
Jiménez underlined the fact that Boston is not on his mind as he concentrated on the job in hand.
Colin Montgomerie, deprived of a record-equalling sixth title of the year by American Bob May in last week’s Victor Chandler British Masters, also proved he is still on top of his game going into the biennial clash with the United States at The Country Club.
The Scot was up with the leaders in the early part of his round, but dropped shots at the 10th, 14th and 16th to finish on 70 and tied for third on 136 along with Jarmo Sandelin, Michael Campbell of New Zealand and Santiago Luna of Spain.
Sandelin, with new caddie, Tim King, on the bag, fired a superb five under par 66 to move into contention.
Of the seven Ryder Cup players in the field, only wild card Andrew Coltart missed the halfway cut. The Scot, who became a father for the first time last weekend when his wife, Emma, gave birth to daughter, Bonnie, shot rounds of 72 and 75 to spend an unscheduled two days playing the doting dad.
José Maria Olazábal, the most experienced player in Europe’s team next week, carded rounds of 68 and 70 to make sure of another weekend’s competitive golf – the same mark as local hero, Jean Van de Velde, who returned identical two round scores as the Spaniard.
Open champion Paul Lawrie also performed well after a disappointing opening 72, shooting a 68 to get into the weekend action on three under par.
The cut fell at 143, one over par.
