South Africa’s Casandra Alexander surged up to outright fifth place on -11 at Evian Resort Golf Club after a round of 63 (-8).

The LET Order of Merit leader rolled in birdies on the second, fourth, seventh, ninth and 10th holes before four birdies on the trot between holes 13 and 16, and a dropped shot on 17.

“It was good,” said Alexander. “Besides for that bogey on 17, I would say it was a pretty good day. Putter was on fire. Every putt I looked at looked like it was going in. I’m pretty chuffed. Hopefully, the same tomorrow.

“I actually didn’t have a look at the leaderboard at all. I didn’t know where I was or what I was doing. I was just trying to play the best I could. It was a bit of a terrible tee shot; missed it on the wrong side on 17. Then on 18 the same thing.

“So, two silly mistakes and it wasn’t the only ones I made today. I just recovered really well. I made a lot of up and downs from certain places. I wouldn’t say it was nervy at all. They were just misses.

“Hopefully, I can play well tomorrow and make the charge. I didn’t have the greatest first day. To be in the position I’m in after my first day is pretty good. Let’s see what Sunday can hold.”