Sara Ericsson from Sweden fired a second round of five-under 67 to lead the Vasteras Open Presented by PadelPitch heading into the final day in Sweden.
The 21-year-old began her round from the 10th hole at Orresta Golf & Konferens and did not hold back, carding three birdies on holes 10, 14, and 18 to make the turn in 33 shots.
“I started very solid and didn’t do too many mistakes. I could take advantage of my good approach shots that made me do three birdies,” said the Stockholm native.
“Of course, I think everyone gets a bit nervous when it starts going your way, but I tried to stay in the moment and just have fun. I was thinking of shooting the lowest I could, and no mercy!”
The Swede, who is coming off a top-20 finish in Malaga a fortnight ago continued with her good form and made birdies on the first and fifth holes.
One dropped shot on six did not keep her from scoring once again on the final ninth hole to sign for the lowest round of the tournament so far.
“It’s exciting to be at the top of the leaderboard and that’s what I always strive for no matter the tournament. However, it’s even more fun when it’s a really good field and a professional tournament.
“I felt strong mentally, I stuck to the process and never stopped chasing more birdies and I think that made today good!”
In outright second is New Zealand’s Hanee Song who added another solid round to sit at six-under-par and put herself in contention in her first European start.
The Kiwi, who also started from the tenth tee had an early birdie on the opening hole and dropped one shot on the 16th to make the turn in level-par.
She said: “I became a little bit frustrated on the front nine as I was having to make a lot of up and downs for par. I think the strongest part of my game this week has been putting.
On her back nine, Song produced four birdies on the last seven holes to be only one stroke off the lead in Vasteras.
“I tried to stay patient and make a few more birdies to put myself in contention for tomorrow. I barely missed any putts from inside eight feet, which helped me to make confident choices when approaching the holes.”
The 26-year-old from Auckland continued: “It feels great to be in contention at my first event in Europe. It was a big decision for me to come over to Sweden. Playing well makes coming here feel really worth it.”
A total of seven Swedish players are in the top 10 after the second day in homeland as overnight leader Ellinor Sudow sits in solo third at one-under-par and amateur Andrea Grimberg Lignell is another shot and spot back.
Three more Swedish amateurs follow with a tie of fifth as Kajsa Arwefjall, Louise Rydqvist, and Matilda Bjorkman are all at one-over.
England’s Amy Taylor shares the eighth position with Swiss amateur Elena Moosmann at two-over while five players round out the top 10 at three-over-par.
France’s Lucie Andre, Italy’s Clara Manzalini, Danish amateur Olivia Gronborg, and Swedish duo Sofie Bringner and amateur Elsa Svensson all tie the tenth place.
A total of 70 players made the cut which was set at +13 after round two.
The final round will start on Friday morning at 8:30 with the leaders teeing off at 10:31 local time.
Follow all the action @LETAccess on Instagram and Twitter – #RaiseOurGame.
