Paraguay&aposs Fabrizio Zanotti topped the leaderboard at the end of the second day of the Open de France on Friday. The world number 391 produced a sterling second round, dropping only one shot and shooting four birdies to lead by one at six under. Denmark&aposs Soren Kjeldsen finished the day tied second with compatriot Thomas Bjorn and South African Richard Sterne. Former US Open champion Graeme McDowell is one of four players at four under, while BMW PGA Championship winner Matteo Manassero is still in contention after going two under for the day to make par for the tournament. However, pre-tournament favourites Luke Donald of England and America&aposs Matt Kuchar have found the going tough and only just made the cut, at two and three over respectively. Ian Poulter, Martin Kaymer and Francesco Molinari have also struggled on Le Golf National course in the French capital, but will return for round three on Saturday. The day belonged to Zanotti, who could not hide his delight at his performance. “I am very happy with the round,” Zanotti said. “It was pretty tough out there, and the course is playing very hard, so very happy.” Zanotti, 30, has won just two professional titles in his career, but is hopeful that he can continue to produce his best golf to secure victory. “I will try to keep playing like this and just have fun,” he said. “I am always positive and love to play in big tournaments with big crowds and great atmospheres, and that is what we have here. “On a course like this, I think that you have to accept everything. It&aposs playing very tough and the greens are getting hard, so it&aposs going to be very difficult, but hopefully I can keep patient and have fun. There is no other way I think.” Richard Green remains in the hunt at three under and was the only Australian to make the cut in France. Andrew Dodt (four over), Marcus Fraser (five over) and Brett Rumford (15 over) all failed to reach the weekend.
Author: Omnisport