Belgian tyro Pieters in with a chance at European PGA event
>> WENTWORTH: Belgian star Thomas Pieters, Scotland’s Scott Jamieson and Francesco Molinari of Italy will go into the last two rounds of the European PGA Championship in a three-way tie for the lead.
The trio were on 137, seven-under par, after 36 holes, on Friday, a shot clear of Germany’s Max Kieffer and three ahead of a clutch of players including 2015 winner An ByeongHun of South Korea and Lee Westwood who is looking to win this title at his 24th attempt.
Also in that group were South Africa’s Branden Grace, who shrugged off his first-round free drop controversy to card a 71, and British Open champion Henrik Stenson.
England’s Olympic champion Justin Rose made sure of his place in the last two rounds with a dramatic eagle at the par-five 18th which took him to two-over for the tournament.
But Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat, who shot a first round 67, dropped down the field with a 75 to finish twounder heading into the last two days.
Jamieson got off to a torrid start after Thursday’s 67 as he dropped three shots in the first three holes but a run of seven birdies in nine holes from the fourth saw him back up with the leaders.
“It’s a tough stretch of the golf course, the first three holes, especially the way the wind was blowing today,” he said.
“The last thing you need to do in that situation is panic.”