Legarrea, Bertasio shine in Umbria Open first round

Jesus Legarrea co-leader with Nino Bertasio after first round in Umbria Open. (c) Agathe Séron

Spain’s Jesus Legarrea and local favourite Nino Bertasio defied the horrific conditions in the first round of the weather-delayed Umbria Open on Friday to open up a two-shot lead at six-under-par.

After play was held up by six and a half hours on Thursday it was Legarrea and Bertasio who made the early running at the sodden Perugia Golf Club, the Spaniard making an eagle at the short par-four 16th while Bertasio avoided any trouble in his flawless round of 65.

Another home favourite Matteo Peroni was in a share of second place alongside Slovenian Matjaz Gojcic with a host of players at two-under, while order of merit leader Andrew Cooley of England slumped to a four-over first round, two away from the cut which is likely to be made at two over.

Legarrea’s friend Jose Maria Olazabal, playing on the European Tour at Wentworth’s PGA Championship, said his compatriot was closing on a win after his last two Alps Tour finishes of tied-11th at the Open International de Rebetz and fifth at the Gosser Open in Austria last week.

“He’s improved a lot and the results are there, he just needs to finish off a tournament. With a better strategy and short game I think he’ll win. The most important thing is confidence,” said the twice U.S. Masters winner.

From Wentworth

Tom Pilcher

Golfmanager Press Agency