Andrea Pavan continued his exemplary form in France to streak four strokes clear of the chasing pack after a superb round of 65 at the Open Blue Green Côtes d’Armor Bretagne.
The Italian finished at 11 under par after 36 holes thanks to a clean card and birdies at the first, second, eighth, 16th and 17th holes to retain his position atop the leaderboard at Golf Blue Green de Pléneuf Val André.
It was a long day for Pavan who had to come back early on Friday morning to complete an opening round of 64, but he did not let that affect him, continuing his form into the afternoon’s play to forge a commanding position with some of the field still to finish off round two.
“I got off to a good start as the wind was blowing a bit on the front nine,” explained Pavan. “I never really had to putt for a par today, it was all very steady. My back felt better too, but I’m tired, as it has been a long day.
“Anyone would have taken double digits under par after two rounds though, as this golf course is very tricky, and if you miss once on the wrong side it gets you and you can make big numbers very easily with the crosswinds. That is the hard part, so you have to judge it, be solid, and trust your numbers.
“I’m happy where I am though, I’ve been here before and I know what to do. I can only control what I do over the weekend and we’ll add it up at the end.”
In second place is Alan Dunbar, who led after Thursday, and the Northern Irishman continued his fine form to finish at seven under par alongside Jamie McLeary, who is through 15 holes, at seven under par.
One shot further back is Guillaume Cambis who carded the round of the week so far. The Frenchman came within a whisker of equalling Phillip Archer’s course record of 61 on Friday, a score the Englishman carded in 2011 en route to the title, but he narrowly missed from ten feet at the last.
Alongside Cambis is compatriot Adrien Saddier who had some fireworks of his own on Friday, opening his round with six birdies in a row from the tenth to shoot a 65 and finish in a tie for third at six under par.
Of the others still out on course, Brinson Paolini is well placed in a tie for sixth at five under par through 15 holes, the same mark as Wallace Booth who is through 12.
Photo: Ota Mrakota