VERSAILLES: Paraguay’s Fabrizio Zanotti was the surprise leader of the French Open after a sparkling three-under 68 on Friday lifted the 30-year-old into a one-shot lead after two rounds of dramatic action at Le Golf National.
The South American, who is looking for his first ever victory on the European Tour, racked up four birdies before holding his nerve down the stretch to stand clear of the field heading into the weekend’s final two rounds.
“I’m very happy. I struggled a bit from the tee but I putted very well and I’m pretty happy with the round,” said a delighted Zanotti.
“On a course like this, I think you have to accept everything. It’s playing very tough and the greens are getting hard, so it’s going to be very difficult.
“I’m just going to keep patient and have fun.”
Danish duo Thomas Bjorn and Soren Kjeldsen, along with South African Richard Sterne, are joint second on five-under. But overnight leader Anders Hansen, also of Denmark, slumped down the leaderboard with a horrid round of 78.
He finished the day on two over but eight shots back of Zanotti.
Former world number one Luke Donald and Ryder Cup team-mate Ian Poulter finished the day on two over after respective rounds of par 71 and 73.
Meanwhile world number five Matt Kuchar survived the cut despite shooting a four-over 75. – AFP
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