Syme back in the mix for maiden Tour win

SCOTLAND’S Connor Syme claimed a share of second place as Valderrama continued to provide a major-style test in the Andalucia Masters.

Syme joined Jamie Donaldson, who added a 69 to his opening 72 to finish one under par, alongside Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal, with American John Catlin setting the pace on three under.

Syme again finds himself in contention for a maiden European Tour title after holding a one-shot lead after 54 holes of the Celtic Classic before finishing third and sharing the lead at the same stage of the following week’s ISPS Handa Wales Open, only to slip to eighth at Celtic Manor.

“I’m pretty pleased to be honest, it wasn’t easy again,” Syme said after his 72. “The wind was probably a little less than yesterday but still equally as difficult. I probably wasn’t as sharp around the greens, got a couple of bad breaks, but that’s just going to happen to you to be honest.”

Catlin, who was withdrawn from the English Championship last month after breaching the European Tour’s Covid-19 protocol by visiting a local restaurant, birdied two of his last three holes to add a 70 to his opening 69.

Just four players are under par after 36 holes, with South Africa’s Wilco Nienaber on level par. The halfway cut fell at eight over. Donaldson, who reached a career-high of 23rd in the world rankings in 2014 but began the week 423rd after almost five years without a win, said: “I’m very pleased.

“It’s a battle out there on the best of days. Even when there’s no wind blowing here it’s still difficult. It was blowing 30 [miles per hour] yesterday and probably 20 today.”