Raphael Jacquelin leads the Sicilian Open despite bad weather – Golf update
The final round of the thrilling Sicilian open had to be cut short due to worsening weather conditions and a fast approaching lightening storm. France’s Raphael Jacquelin was leading the leaderboard with one shot when play was called off at the 12th
hole.
Jacquelin appeared well in control of the match when he quickly gained a three-shot lead. England’s Anthony Wall, who had an overall lead the previous day, kept challenging Jacquelin throughout the day. When the Frenchman missed the hole for 12th
at par, Wall was behind by one shot when he birdied the same hole. Yesterday, Wall attributed his success much to the secret gadget that he had with him all day.
"It was a little bit frustrating to bogey the 12th before we finished there but it was actually a good bogey so I can't have too many complaints," said Jacquelin. "I am two under for the round and have a one shot lead so we will come back and do it all again
in the morning. I played well though and holed more putts today even though it was difficult to get the pace of the greens because of the weather."
The Frenchman is now in his 14th year on the course, after he turned professional in 1995 by winning the French Amateur open. His first victory came in 1995 when he won the Open De Madrid in Spain. His second and last victory to date was in 2007
when he won the BMW Asia Open. He was also the highest ranking French golfer in the years 2007 and 2008. When asked if the delay in the final round will impact his momentum, Jacquelin commented, “14 years on Tour makes you accept most of these things. I'll
be okay."
Jacquelin now stands at 11-under while Wall is one shot behind. Spaniard Jose Manuel Lara is another shot behind after 15 holes. Sweden's Joel Sjoholm brought in a 2-under par, securing the fourth place with 7-under.
The final round will continue at the serene Donnafugata Golf Resort & Spa on Monday. This is the first European tour tournament of the season being played in Europe.
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