Laporta keeps his nose in front
Italian rookie Francesco Laporta leads by one shot heading into the weekend at the Trophée Hassan II.
The 25-year-old started the day in a three-way tie for the lead with Jason Scrivener and Thomas Linard, but was the only man left at the top after Friday's second round on the challenging Red Course at Royal Golf Dar Es Salam.
Laporta followed up a opening 68 with a two-under-par 70 to lead by one shot over Scrivener, Spaniard Borja Virto Astudillo and South Korea's Jeunghun Wang.
The Italian came through European Tour Qualifying School in November but struggled in the early part of the season, making just one of his first six cuts.
He returned to the Challenge Tour last week, finishing fourth at the Challenge de Madrid, and that top-10 finish appears to have done him a world of good.
Laporta took the sole lead on Friday after birdies at 10 and 12, but the wheels appeared to come off after a bogey and a double bogey at the 13th and 14th.
He recovered superbly, however, birdying four of his next six holes to lead by two shots, though a bogey at the eighth meant he ended the day only one shot in front.
"It's going to be exciting at the weekend," he said. "It should be a great experience and I'm looking forward to it.
Commenting on his round, Laporta added: "It was just a really solid display and I enjoyed it."
Virto Astudillo set the clubhouse target on five under par earlier in the morning after a two-under 70.
Scrivener joined the Spaniard after a 71, while Wang shot one of the best rounds of the day – a 68 – to join the duo in second place.
Lying on four under par are Daniel Im, Zander Lombard and Peter Lawrie, followed by Gary King and Adrien Saddier on three under.
Latest
-
NewsWATCH: Martin Laird emotional after breaking seven-year title drought
Martin Laird gets a little bit choked up as he savours his first win in seven years.
-
NewsMartin Laird takes Las Vegas title in play-off
The Scotsman sank a birdie putt from just outside 20 feet to take the tournament.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton describes winning BMW PGA Championship as ‘a dream come true’
The win will see Hatton break into the world’s top 10 for the first time when the rankings are updated on Monday, two days before his 29th birthday.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton enjoys early birthday present with BMW PGA Championship win
The Englishman, who turns 29 next week, will now break into the top 10 of the rankings for the first time.
-
NewsMartin Laird and Patrick Cantlay set the pace in Las Vegas
Laird’s second consecutive eagle on the ninth helped him to a round of 65.
-
NewsTyrrell Hatton takes commanding lead into final round at Wentworth
Hatton’s choice of clothing has been a talking point this week.
-
NewsBryson DeChambeau takes Matt Fitzpatrick’s criticism as ‘a compliment’
Fitzpatrick said the big-hitting American was ‘taking the skill out of’ golf.
-
NewsThree Players Who Will Take A Lot of Confidence from Their US Open Performance
DeChambeau will not be the only golfer who will be happy with how their game held up at Winged Foot Golf Club.
-
NewsMartin Laird and Peter Malnati eagle the 9th to share Las Vegas lead
The cut was made at 135, or seven under par.
-
NewsJuniors coach who gave McIlroy his first break receives British Empire Medal
Eddie Harper said he was ‘very pleased and surprised’ at the news.