Alexander Noren leading the Saab Wales Open, Graeme McDowell trailing by one shot
Sweden’s Alexander Noren pulled in another stunning round of 67 to finally grab the lead in the Saab Wales Open at the Celtic Manor Resort on Friday, June 3. Noren’s consistent form and putting has placed him on top of the fast approaching defending champion
Graeme McDowell, who finished his second round trailing the leader by one shot. Noren closed his round with eight-under, 134.
The Stockholm-born Noren has already qualified for the upcoming US Open via the qualifiers at Walton Heath and for the 28-year-old, it’s more of a dream come true.
"I've always dreamed of playing a US Open and I'm so happy - so happy. It's such an energy boost," Noren was later talking to the reporters.
He carded four birdies before closing his round and finally taking over the overnight leader South African Keith Horne. Horne slid down the leaderboard after his lopsided performance in the second round where he posted a birdie-less round of 73. He had earlier
posted a round of 64 yesterday.
McDowell is one player who seems to be enjoying his time the most on his favourite hunting ground, the Celtic Manor. The Irishman has had several successful ventures on this course, where he won the last year’s Wales Open as well as the Ryder Cup. The world
number five is steadily climbing the ladder with his splendid opening rounds of 67 and 68. He overtook last year’s field with his superb rounds of 63, 64 to win the title. McDowell is also the defending champion of next week’s US Open.
"This is absolutely perfect for the US Open. I said I just wanted to get in the mix and get the juices flowing and it's kind of mission accomplished." McDowell said.
McDowell's former Ryder Cup teammate, Ross Fisher posted a round of seven-over, 79 and it is probably safe to say that his chances to make it into the top 50 are now almost over. Welshman Jamie Donaldson and Frenchman Victor Dubuisson settled for a joint
third.
Donaldson has posted consecutive rounds of 68 and looks good to clinch his maiden title on the tour. “I played really good,” said Donaldson. “I probably played better today than I did yesterday but yesterday I played really well.”
Scot George Murray picked up another Ace at the 17th after Elliot Saltman’s hole-in-one in the first round.
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