Nacho Elvira was a happy man after posting back-to-back 65s at the 2022 Omega European Masters in his first event since his daughter was born.
Shortly after marking his title defence with a 12th-place finish at the Cazoo Open supported by Gareth Bale earlier this month, Elvira welcomed a baby girl into the world.
Back in action this week, the Spaniard followed up Thursday's 65 with the same score on Friday morning to head into the weekend on ten under par.
He was the leader in the clubhouse when play was halted for almost three hours from 13.09 local time due to electrical activity in the area, before being joined at the summit by Marcel Siem shortly after the resumption.
The pair held on to the clubhouse lead despite being overtaken by Thriston Lawrence and Alejandro Cañizares, who will finish their second rounds on Saturday morning.
Speaking about the birth of his child, Elvira said: "I'm excited, I'm super happy.
"It was the Sunday of Celtic Manor, as soon as I landed I went straight to the hospital because she was delivering.
Celtic Manor week is always a great week. A place that will forever be with me. What a great venue it is and what a test 2010 course was this year. Thanks @thecelticmanor and @cazooopen for a great event. https://t.co/I3WY4LDYYd
— Nacho Elvira (@nachoelvira87) August 10, 2022
"She came at 8 o'clock on the Monday morning. We have little Martina in the family now."
Elvira's second round contained an eagle, six birdies and three bogeys, and saw him hole some enormous putts.
He added: "I'm actually very happy.
"I started a bit shaky - off the tee I wasn't very accurate - but the iron game has been feeling on point this week and especially the putting has been helping me.
"I'm putting really well. I'm very happy and very comfortable with the putter."
Golf in the clouds 🌥#OEM2022 pic.twitter.com/h0Y9iVQbp9
— DP World Tour (@DPWorldTour) August 26, 2022
Siem also began the tournament with successive 65s and said: "It’s always a bit scary in Crans with the altitude, and rain, and you don’t know how far the ball goes. We checked on the range a bit to see what’s going on, we figured it out, so I’m really happy to finish with a birdie and be ten under.
"I love this place. The first time I came here I fell in love with it. It’s a very tricky golf course, very strategic, you have to be very careful with the tee-shots.
"I like that, it’s not a putting contest around here. The crowds are always very nice to me, very supportive. Very good memories, I’ve finished second and a few times fifth and fourth."
