Molinari maintains Wentworth Lead
Italy’s Francesco Molinari recovered from a poor start to retain the lead on the second day of the BMW PGA Championship at Wentworth on Friday.
Molinari saw his two-shot overnight lead wiped out with two bogeys in the first three holes, but played the remaining 15 in five under to add a 69 to his opening 65 and set the clubhouse target of 10 under par.
That was two shots ahead of in-form Argentinian Emiliano Grillo, who holed a bunker shot on the 12th and then hit his approach to the 18th to a matter of inches from 255 yards to set up another eagle in a superb 65.
“It’s my first time making the cut in this tournament and I’m really happy,” said Grillo, who is looking to win his first European Tour event after finishing 11th, third and sixth in his last three tournaments.
“I knew coming here I did not have any good rounds so to shoot 65 round here is pretty good. I am enjoying the moment and playing well and being in contention is what I need. If I keep knocking someone is going to open the door.
“I’ve been looking for a win since I turned pro and it’s going to come soon. There’s a lot going on when you are in contention and you have to be prepared. Playing well definitely pushes the confidence up and it’s nice to be on the leaderboard every week.
“This is a big week, the flagship event of the European Tour and it would be great to win.”
Pre-tournament favourite Rory McIlroy was among the later starters as he looked to claim a third win in his last four events, the world number one having thrown a club in frustration during an opening 71.
