20th June 2014 | Alps Tour Golf
French duo to lead on home soil
Frenchmen Xavier Poncelet (c) Agathe Séron
French duo Xavier Poncelet and Jean-Pierre Verselin lead the 2014 Open International de la Mirabelle d’Or at Golf de La Grange aux Ormes on six under par.
The French duo carded rounds of four under 67 on day two of the tournament to take a two shot lead over Ireland’s Brian Casey and another Frenchman, Raphaël Marguery.
The 28-year-old Poncelet won this title two years ago, beating Spain’s Jaime Camargo in a play-off.
Coached by Nicolas Besançon, Poncelet went to the turn in two under 34 following birdies at two, three and four and one bogey at the par four ninth.
Two further birdies followed at the 10th and 12th as he came home in two under 33.
His compatriot Verselin, who has yet to win on the Alps Tour, struggled to the turn in one over 37 but hit back on the back nine, collecting birdies at 10th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 15th.
Overnight leader Brian Casey struggled round in two over 73 but stayed in touch alongside Marguery who aced the par three 12th with a six iron as he shot a best of the day score of five under 66.
