You are in > manchester.com  > News > Jacquelin forges clear at China Open

Golf

Jacquelin forges clear at China Open

13/04/2007

Rafael Jacquelin has established a clear two-stroke lead over the rest of the field at the China Open in Shanghai after an impressive four-under-par round of 67.

The Frenchman held a share of the lead overnight with local favourite Ming Jie Huang and took advantage of the easy conditions early on to establish a solid score after two rounds.

Huang, who teed off slightly later than Jacquelin, endured a tortuous morning to drop out of contention.

Having started the day on three-under-par after his solid first round, the Chinese carded six bogeys in a disastrous round of 76 to end the day two-over-par for the tournament.

Jacquelin was thankful for his tee-off time after the conditions in Shanghai deteriorated throughout the day.

"When we started at 07:10 [local time], it was dead calm," the Frenchman said afterwards.

"I was lucky enough to make three birdies at the start and I was playing really well. Like yesterday I made two bogeys at the end but that is the game, especially on this course in these conditions."

Jacquelin leads Australia's Adam Blyth, who is second on five-under. Countryman Scott Hend and Argentinean Andreas Romero are tied for third on four-under-par for the tournament.

Scotland's Simon Yates has moved into contention after an excellent round of 66 put him fifth on three-under.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell is on two-under after two rounds of 70 alongside Eire resident Damien McGrane.

© Adfero Ltd