Quesne surges to the top

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August 31, 2012

Julien Quesne had a day to remember at the Omega European Masters as a second-round 65 helped him to one-shot lead.

Julien Quesne had a day to remember at the Omega European Masters on Friday as a second-round 65 helped him to one-shot lead.

The Frenchman’s round of eight-under-par included seven birdies and an eagle which took him to a nine-under total of 133 at the midway point.

Britain’s Danny Willett followed up his opening-round 67 with another four-under-par to sit in second while European Ryder Cup member Paul Lawrie is third after a five-under 66.

“I took a lot of pleasure from how I played today,” Quesne, who claimed his maiden Tour win in the Open de Andalucia in March, told europeantour.com.

“I hit so many good shots; I managed to stay calm and I holed a lot of putts.

“My final round in Andalucia was the best of my career, because it was under a lot of pressure. But today was probably my second best, because the conditions were very tough and I hardly missed a shot. So I’m very happy.”

Willett, who claimed his maiden win at the BMW International Open in June, hopes to taste success again on the European Tour.

“It’s all too easy to switch off mentally after a win, because you’ve got your card for another couple of years,” said the Englishman.

“It depends what kind of personality you are really, but I want to taste that winning feeling every week I pitch up.

“It isn’t realistic, but that’s the goal, and as long as you’re in with a decent shout come Sunday, you know you’ve played well.”

Lawrie, meanwhile, is in with a chance of claiming back-to-back wins following his victory at the Johnnie Walker Championships at Gleneagles on Sunday.

He said: “I played lovely again today, hit a lot of good putts – not all of them went in, but a fair few did. So I’m very happy with my day’s work, despite the weather.

“A lot of guys don’t like playing in the cold and the wet, but that plays into the hands of people like me who don’t mind it.

“I’ve had a couple of decent sleeps, so I feel fine and raring to go. There’s a nice, relaxed feel to this week anyway, which always helps.”

David Howell, Marcus Fraser, Robert Coles and Tommy Fleetwood are a further shot further adrift at Crans-sur-Sierre in the Swiss Alps.

Overnight leader Gregory Bourdy had a poor day as he followed up his 63 with a 75 to slip to tied 13th.

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