Syme tames ‘brutal’ day in Newport to keep the lead
SCOTLAND’S Connor Syme defied “brutal” conditions to remain on course for a maiden European Tour title in the ISPS Handa Wales Open at Celtic Manor.
Syme overcame strong winds to add a second round of 70 to his opening 66 and finish six under par, two shots ahead of fellow Scot Liam Johnston, Jordan Smith, Sebastian Soderberg, Li Haotong, Nacho Elvira and Sihwan Kim.
The 25-year-old held a oneshot lead after 54 holes of the Celtic Classic at the same venue last week, but had to settle for a share of third place following a final round of 71 which was compiled either side of a twohour lightning delay.
“That was brutal, to be honest,” Syme said. “I thought yesterday was tough, but going through what we went through there, we got quite lucky yesterday.
“It was a real grind, some of the hardest conditions I’ve played in. Practising on the putting green it [the ball] was moving a lot so I wasn’t sure if we were going to get started, but I’m delighted with 70.
“Although both my bogeys [on the third and 16th] were three putts, it was one of those days where you’re just trying to find the green and missing it on the correct side was key, to be honest.
“Obviously it’s a course I’m getting to like. I’m really just rolling with the same confidence from last week. It’s weird going through the yardage book from last week and I’d draw a line under it and start with new pins.
“I was thinking it’s a new week and just knuckle down and start again. I’m definitely taking confidence from last week but obviously I was fully focused on this week when I teed off.”