Lee-Anne Pace stayed just one shot off the lead on Thursday with a one-under-par 71 in the second round of the Ladies European Tour’s Dubai Moonlight Classic taking her to nine-under-par ahead of the final round.
On a tightly contested second day, Maria Fassi of Italy and Jessica Karlsson of Sweden sat tied at the top of the leaderboard on 10-under-par. Fassi held the overnight lead after equalling the tournament course record of 63 in round one and although the second round was tougher, the 23-year-old held onto her position.
Pace, the 10-time LET winner and the reigning South African Women’s Open champion had five birdies and four bogeys on her card but the bogey on 16th was an excellent save after ending up in the bush.
“It was entertaining, up and down, and pretty much all over the show. I started a bit cold with the putter but then it got hot in the middle, then I hit it in the bush and nearly hit my head, so it was a bit all over the place, but one-under at the end of the day means I still have a chance,” said Pace.
“My caddie really helped me out there because I wanted to play it into the bunker which could easily have been a seven, and he pointed in the other direction and we made an up and down, so that was a great call.
“I’m going to play the same game and try to get into the lead, and if not try to chase the lead.”
Nicole Garcia had a great second round, pulling herself well out of a tough situation following her opening 79. She carded a five-under-par 67 with an eagle, five birdies and two bogeys to claw her way up into a share of 42nd.
