David Drysdale back in hunt for elusive European Tour victory with back to back 65s in Kenya

Just over 12 months after suffering the heartbreak of losing out in a five-hole play-off in Qatar, David Drysdale is back in the mix to land an elusive first European Tour victory.

In his 519th start on the circuit, the 46-year-old Borderer is joint second, one shot off the lead, after carding back to back 65s in the opening two rounds of the Kenya Savannah Classic at Karen Country Club in Nairobi.

Drysdale carded two eagles in his second circuit to set the clubhouse target on 12 under par. That was matched by inform South African Justin Harding, winner of the Magical Kenya Open at the same venue on Sunday, following rounds of 64-66 before his compatriot, Daniel Van Tonder jumped ahead of them with a 64.

Harding, 35, looks the man to beat heading into the final two rounds, but Drysdale’s tail is up as well as he bids to land that elusive first success.

The Cockburnspath man chipped in for the first of his eagles at the sixth before holing a 15-footer over a tier to match the feat at the 11th.

His card also contained four birdies and Drysdale is hoping he can keep up the fireworks in his quest to finally enter the winner’s enclosure.

“You just go out and play but it’s hard not to think about it (not winning) – it’s a record I don’t want to have,” he said.

“That’s what I’m striving for, to win a tournament or win a few but obviously to get the first one. We’ll see what happens.

"It’s on my mind, not constantly, but that’s there.”

A decision to change a driver he used last week when making an early exit following rounds of 72-70 has paid dividends so far.

“I didn’t drive it straight enough last week,” added Drysdale. “I changed the head for last week, lofted it up by a degree to try and hit it higher and keep some more spin on it at altitude and it backfired on

it’s something me as I hit too many left. The more loft you have in your hand the easier it is to hit it left so that was a mistake. But I’ve gone back to one I’ve used for most of the season this week and it’s going quite well so far.”

Calum Hill (68) and Liam Johnston (69) are both joint 25th on seven under par, with Richie Ramsay (66) and Daniel Young (65) the other Scots still standing on five and fourunder respectively.