Scotsman David Law established a two stroke lead at the halfway point of the Cordon Golf Open in France thanks to a one under par 69 in round two.
The 24 year old followed up his impressive opening 64 with three birdies and two bogeys at Golf Blue Green de Pléneuf Val André in Brittany to reach seven under overall, two clear of Spaniard Borja Virto Astudillo, Dane Mads Søggard, who both signed for 68s, and Frenchman Alexandre Widemann, who shone with a 65.
Law had to complete his first round – albeit one hole – on Friday morning, before a quick turnaround to start round two.
“Last night when we stopped I was about to putt on the 17th when the hooter sounded, and I holed the putt,” he said. “So it was a nice way to finish. This morning I made a good putt on the 18th for a 64 and felt great.
“Then I had an hour before going back on the course, so I had breakfast, hit a few balls and got ready to go again.
“Today was very similar but I didn’t hole so many putts, so that was probably the difference. My game was in good shape again, and I’m playing well off the tee. A few more putts could have dropped, but overall I’m happy.
“I’ll work on my putting before tomorrow and hopefully I’ll sink a few tomorrow.”
Law, who has finished in the top ten in his last two appearances, is excited to lead the way heading into the weekend as he goes in search of his first Challenge Tour win.
“I’m feeling good,” he added. “I really like this course and it suits my game well. It’s in great condition, too. It’s not the longest course we play but it’s tricky and bad shots get punished. I’m playing well though and really looking forward to the weekend.”
Widemann would have taken second place on his own had he not bogeyed the last, but he admitted anything this week is a bonus after not being sure whether he could play the day before the tournament started.
“I had stomach pains and was in hospital on Wednesday night,” he said. “Now I am two shots behind the leader so I am really happy. It’s only the second time playing on the Challenge Tour, so from now everything feels like bonus.”
Søggard saw first-hand just how good Widemann’s round was, saying: “I played with Alex today and it was very inspirational. He didn’t miss a shot. Trying to keep up with him was tough, and I didn’t feel very comfortable with my swing.
“Fortunately I made a good start and was able to take a few chances when they came along.”
Virto Astudillo is delighted to have made a strong start, knowing full well that he is under pressure to make the top 15 in the Road to Oman Ranking heading into the sharp end of the season.
“I’m currently 15th so I’m hanging on the edge,” he said. “My win in Slovakia last month gave me some confidence because I was struggling early in the season. Hopefully I can play well from here and make sure I’m in that top 15.”
Two players were still to complete round two when darkness called a halt to play on Friday evening.
