Joakimides still ahead

Nicolas Joakimides, 36 year old, kept the lead of Alllianz Open Stand Français Paris. He signed for 69, 3 under par and unfortunately dropped only one stroke on last hole. On his toes, 3 fellows, Alan Bihan, Benjamin Nicolay and young amateur Alexander Levy.

Levy, 20 year old, is 44th at amateur world ranking and second in his country. He is the current French Champion and won the Murat Cup in 2010. Following him outside the ropes, Maitena Delamontagne Technichal Director of French Federation. This event is the last one for amateurs to get their selection in French team for the Eisenhower Trophy, the team World Cup. Levy did not feel any pressure about that.

“ I was happy to have many people following me. The other guys supported me and it is nice to feel this spirit. I really wanted to be in the last group. Honestly today, my game was almost perfect. I only missed one green and had three putts once. On last green, Nicolas made a wonderful chip but missed the putt and I holed for birdy, so I came back very closed.”

Joakimides last and only win on Alps Tour was in 2005 and he confessed a win would be either a personal pleasure and a joy for his banker!

Alan Bihan, who already won twice this year, could take the lead of Alps Tour order of merit thanks to a win in Paris. Leader Jason Palmer was playing in Austria this week and runner up Italian Matteo Delpodio missed the cut. What a difference a week made…

Then, Frenchman Benoit Bozio shot the score of the day 66 and joined fellows Vincent Cachera, Matthieu Bey and Spaniard Pedro Erice at 5th place.

Agathe Séron

Image Gallery