Sweden’s Per G Nyman overcame some gusting, driving winds to remain in pole position at the European Challenge Tour’s Rotterdam International Open, carding a second round of one under par 71 to move to eight under and take a two shot lead from Welshman Kyron Sullivan.
Nyman began his second round on the back nine at the Golfclub Broekpolder, dropping two strokes in his opening three holes as the wind swirled around the Dutch venue toughening up the conditions at the 7009 yard, par 72 venue.
But the Swede was not to be beaten that easily, and he struck back with three birdies in six holes to turn in one under par, before playing the front nine in level par to stay two strokes clear of Sullivan, who posted a second round 70 to remain in the hunt.
There are six players tied for third place on four under par, namely Toni Karjalainen of Finland, England’s Richard McEvoy and Shaun Webster, Italy’s Marco Soffietti, Australian John Wade and Craig Williams of Wales.
Nyman, who opened the tournament with a brilliant 65, felt that his second round was as good as, if not better than his first, and is hoping to draw upon the experience of having won on the Challenge Tour (at the 1999 NCC Open) and on this season’s Eco Tour in Denmark.
“When I saw the weather today and looked at the morning scores I said to myself that level par would be a good score. I knew that if I could score around that number then I would still be near the top of the leaderboard,” said Nyman.
“I don’t know if I am more pleased with today’s round to be honest. The wind was very strong out there so to go under par in those conditions was very pleasing. The putter was working very well today – it saved me few times and I must have had three or four very important putts to keep the round going.
“I started on the back nine and drove the ball into the water on the 12th, took the drop and then pitched up to two metres and made the putt which was vital. I also made great putts on 16, 17 and 18, with birdies at the 17th and 18th.
“It’s still only halfway so anything can happen. I know the bad shots will come – it just depends on how bad they are that will decide weather I am there or not on Sunday afternoon.
“I have won on the Challenge Tour before but that was a long time ago! But I did win on the Eco Tour in Denmark in August this year so I do remember what to do when you get into that position and hopefully that will come back to me here.
“My form this year has been strange. When it is good it has been very good, but when it’s been bad it has been too bad.”
