Matteo Manassero, the youngest winner in DP World Tour history, posted a brilliant seven under par round of 65 to claim pole position at the halfway stage of the Italian Challenge Open.
The four-time DP World Tour champion mixed eight birdies with just one bogey to move to 13 under par at Golf Nazionale, two ahead of Englishman Alex Fitzpatrick who posted a six under 66 to move into second place just days after securing a maiden place in The Open through Final Qualifying.
The Italian was pleased to climb to the top of the leaderboard in front of his home crowd and believes his experience of playing under the Italian sun could give him the edge this weekend.
“It’s been two really good days and I’ve played some great golf,” he said. “Obviously, you don’t know what is to come at the weekend, but my game has been very consistent over the opening two rounds. I hit a lot of good shots to give myself birdie chances and it was nice to hole a few putts.
“It’s important to keep drinking water due to the heat. This is our summer and I’ve experienced it many times so maybe that is giving me an advantage this week. I’m trying to stay focus and keep hydrated.”
Manassero returned to the winner’s circle earlier this year at the Copenhagen Challenge presented by Ejner Hessel and he now has his sights set on promotion back to the DP World Tour.
“I have become a more complete golfer this year,” he said. “I’m putting much better than I did last year. I have found a greater level of consistency and I feel confident each week. I know if I work hard, I can get back to the DP World Tour.
“This is such an important week for me. It’s so special because of the home support and I love playing at this course. It’s important to remember that it is just a week like any other and I need to perform well to keep pushing towards the top of the Rankings.”
Overnight leader Ashley Chesters and Germany’s Marc Hammer share third place on ten under par, while five-time Challenge Tour winner Andrea Pavan and England’s Jonathan Thomson are a shot further back in fifth.
The third round will get under way at 8:10am local time, with Manassero teeing it up in the final group alongside Fitzpatrick and Chesters at 12:05pm.
