Brazil's Lula says he does not expect to win in first round

Former President and presidential candidate Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva speaks during a meeting with evangelical leaders in Sao Goncalo in Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil September 9, 2022. REUTERS/Pilar Olivares

RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) - Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the leftist former president who leads polls ahead of Brazil's Oct. 2 election, said on Friday he does not expect to win in the first round, as recent polls show far-right President Jair Bolsonaro chipping away at his lead.

"Every candidate thinks of winning in the first round. I've never been lucky to win the first round, but I like two rounds," he told reporters in Rio de Janeiro. Lula added he liked run-offs as they provide the opportunity for a "tete-a-tete debate."