David Carey carded an even par round of 72 on another tough scoring day in Italy and remains right in the hunt for the title ahead of the final round of the Golf Nazionale Alps Open.
The Darwin Escapes professional, who opened with a four-under par round of 68, recovered from four bogeys in his first five holes to post five birdies and one more dropped shot in a rollercoaster even par effort that leaves him in a tie for second at minus-four, four shots back of Mathias Eggenberger’s lead.
Carey is the top Irishman on this season’s Order of Merit in 21st place. With just two events to go, the top ten players on the Order of Merit at season’s end are exempt through the second stage of European Tour Q-School and the top five win playing privileges on the Challenge Tour.
With the cut falling at five-over par, Simon Bryan (+4), Gary Hurley (+5) and Jonathan Yates (+5) all advanced to the final round.
At the head of affairs, after sharing the lead after the opening day, Swiss player Eggenberger moved ahead of the rest of the field with a second consecutive 68 (-4) to reach eight-under par.
“My game was solid again today, like yesterday,” he said. “I just kept it in play. It was quite windy out there, so I just gave myself enough chances and holed a few putts, so it was good.
“The wind makes the tough holes on the course easier, like holes 4 and 5, because you’re playing downwind. But wind always makes a course more difficult. For tomorrow, I’ll just go out there and play my best and see where we end up. One day after another.”
The temperature continues to rise on Saturday and the wind should drop but strong gusts can still be expected.
- Full scoring HERE
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