Sweden’s Christian Nilsson equaled the course record with a seven-under 64 to snatch a two-shot lead midway through the St. Omer Open on Friday.
The 29-year-old fired seven birdies to match the record held by Brett Rumford and Jamie Little.
It put him on three under for the tournament, two shots clear of Englishman John Morgan.
Nilsson attributed his strong showing to his short game and the improved weather.
“Yesterday was not good but today was very good,” he said. “I made a lot of putts and played good iron shots. Playing well on the greens was a big difference. I didn’t make any putts yesterday but today I did.”
“The greens are very tricky and tough to find the lines but today I found them. The weather also made a big difference. Yesterday was windy, rainy and cold,” he said. “It’s a lot more fun to play in good conditions and when you play well it’s even more fun.”
Meanwhile, Ireland’s Paul McGinley saw his hopes of a Ryder Cup place suffer a setback when he finished the day 10 shots off the lead.
McGinley followed up a three-over-par 74 from the previous day with a four-over 75 to miss the cut by two shots.
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
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