British rookie Richard Finch fires course record in the Italian Open
His blistering effort, coupled with a late mistake by fellow Briton Bradley Dredge, earned a one-shot lead for Finch, who eagled the first and birdied all four par-threes to move to 12-under-par 132.
Portuguese Open champion Paul Broadhurst and former Italian Open winner Gregory Havret share third place three shots behind the 27-year-old Englishman, whose success forced him into a change of plans.
He had been so dubious about making the cut that he had made plans to go to a friend’s wedding in Portugal on Saturday.
“I checked out of my hotel,” Finch told reporters. “So I’ll have to find myself a room now. But it’s a nice problem to have.
“I’m sure the couple will understand.”
Finch had to finish his storm-affected first round before going straight back out to mount his charge and he did not have time for a proper meal all day, relying on a diet of apples and bananas to pick up a bunch of shots.
Shooting low is not unusual for Finch, however.
He carded a 61 to qualify for the 2002 British Amateur Championship before playing Challenge Tour and securing his card last November.
His latest low round included two new career highs, his 63 being his best European Tour score by six strokes and the first time he had made four twos in a round.
“I’ve never had a full-house before,” said Finch who is aiming to improve from his current 165th place on the European money-list.
Dredge is aiming for a second title to go with the 2003 Madeira Island Open and the Welshman rattled in seven birdies before a late three-putt bogey.
Defending champion Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland finished one stroke over the cut mark following a round of 74.
Playing partner Mark Calcavecchia improved with a 70 but the visiting 1989 British Open champion was unable to celebrate making the cut after his marriage to caddie Brenda the previous day.
Frenchman Julien van Hauwe won a BMW worth $100,000 for a hole-in-one on the par-three 16th.
by Euro Sports
