Elissalde aims maiden win in Egypt

France’s Thomas Elissade on 16th tee. (c) Agathe Séron

France’s Thomas Elissalde continues to enjoy his debut on Alps Tour. Young player from Biarritz shot 67 for -12 total. Spain’s Borja Virto is two shots back and France’s Clément Berardo is on his toes to complete the podium.

A sunny windy day for second round of Red Sea Little Venice Open. Elissalde, 20 year old rookie, confirmed good form and will play last round for maiden win as pro.

« My wedging was way better than yesterday so I was closer to the pins. I putted well but not as well as yesterday. I managed to handle the wind, it did not disturb me. I hit a lot of fairways, I only missed two of them. »

« Today I had four chips to do and I missed three including one of the 8^th, my only bogey. »

« Last time I was leading teeing off the last round was during Frayssineau-Mouchy – important amateur event in France – last year and it was great. »

Another rookie from Spain is aiming to put his hands on the trophy. Borja Virto, 23 year old, signed for solid 66, score of the day. Virto was in Spanish national team until last year after three years spent in the USA in university.

« I did not play well in the USA, I could not adapt to life there very well. I prefer to stay in Europe. I am happy, I played well today, everything went together. My goal for this season is to play and see what happens. »

France’s Clément Berardo, 27 year old, and second year as pro, managed to stay in contention despite struggling with his game.

« It was early this morning, wasn’t it? I woke up at 5:30 and honestly, on first tee, it was tough to focus. My game was not as sharp as yesterday. My driving was so and so as my long game. So scoring 3 under was a good result reference to the level of my game. »

From Ain Sokhna
Agathe Séron