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Spanish flair at Leopard Creek |
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Spanish flair at Leopard Creek |
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::Friday,11 December 2009 |
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Michael Vlismas
MALELANE, South Africa – Ernie Els found his rhythm, Richard Sterne found control, but only Spain’s Pablo Martin found the top of the leaderboard in Friday’s second round of the Alfred Dunhill Championship at Leopard Creek.
Blessed with cool, overcast weather which was a welcome change from the stifling heat of the past few days, Martin produced a magnificent nine-under-par 63 to take a four-stroke lead into the weekend.
The affable Spaniard finished the round at 13 under par, with Els carding a 67 to join Edoardo Molinari on nine under, and Sterne signing for a 66 and a total of six under.
But it was the man from Malaga who took what was meant to be a holiday in South Africa with his sister and has turned it into a golden opportunity to claim a second victory on the European Tour.
In 2007, Martin made European Tour history when he became the first amateur to ever win on the tour in the Estoril Open de Portugal.
“I was a bit surprised by this. I struggled to keep my card this season and it was pretty tight at the end, but I did it. I’ve been playing well, but it’s not the same when you have that pressure to keep your card. I planned to just come here with my sister and see the animals and have a holiday. So far I like this place a lot,” he said.
Martin has a home close to another Spaniard who has an impressive record in this tournament, namely the 2006 champion Alvaro Quiros.
“I think you’ve heard of him down here,” said the 23-year-old, who is making his debut in the Alfred Dunhill Championship.
Martin started his round with two consecutive birdies and went out in three under before a superb back nine of 31, which he capped with an eagle on the par-five 18th.
Asked about the possibility of playing with Els in Saturday’s third round, Martin said, “I’ve heard a couple of things about that guy. It should be a great experience”.
Els was certainly pleased with his performance on Friday. “I had my game out there. Tee to green I was really good. I’ve found a good rhythm and am hitting my driver well to put myself in good positions off the tees. It gave me good opportunities to go for the flags, and the greens here are perfect. I felt it could’ve been a really low one. But I’m playing well and am in a good position for the weekend.”
And the triple Major champion warned that he was expecting something better from himself over the next two rounds.
“I’m still looking for that breakout round. I feel like I’m playing well enough to shoot some really low numbers, and I’m looking forward to doing that.”
Sterne was equally satisfied with the change in his game. “I’m striking the ball better and have a lot of control over it, which I haven’t had for possibly a year now.”
The halfway cut fell on one under par, with 2007 champion John Bickerton amongst the casualties on six over. Not even a hole-in-one on the par-three fifth could save the Englishman.
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