Elissalde 2 clear

France’s Thomas Elissalde (c) Agathe Séron 2014

France’s Thomas Elissalde did brilliant start in Red Sea El Ein Bay Open. He fired 9 birdies and 2 bogeys to take a two stroke lead over fellow countryman Leo Lespinasse. The two young men, respectively 22 and 20 year old, live in South West of France in Biarritz area.

Elissalde is one of the 6 players graduated last year to play Challenge Tour in 2015. The Egypt Campaign is a good way for him to warm up before his circuit resumes. Weather has been fair despite coolness in the morning.

Léo Lespinasse had a tough first season in 2014 as he had no full category but he played well during Q School in last December and Lespinasse’s goals are higher this year. The young man shot a flawless 67 card. One shot behind, another Frenchman, Clément Batut and England’s Steven Tiley, playing an Alps Tour event for the first time.