Italy’s Alessia Nobilio and first round leader Slovakia’s Katarina Drocarova both finished day two tied for the top on nine-under-par in Switzerland.
The Slovak had a steadier but solid second round at Golf de Lavaux of 13 pars, three birdies and one bogey.
“My game was feeling a bit better today, but I wasn’t making any putts, so I was a bit disappointed and frustrated in the first few holes.
“Yet I kept going and I finished strong.”
Drocarova is an invite into this event and turned professional this year.
The Slovak secured a top 10 finish at her home tournament, the Ladies Slovak Golf Open which gave her an invite to the first English event, where she finished 19th.
“I’m excited to be in the leading group and we will see what happens out there.”
It would be a historic win on LETAS, if Drocarova did finish first tomorrow as she would become the first Slovak winner on the tour.
“It would mean a lot to me to win in my first year of being pro and it would mean a lot for my country.”
Nobilio carded a 67 (-5) of seven birdies and two bogeys to finish as co-leader heading into the final round.
“I think my game has been solid. I practiced a lot before coming to this event, so I felt really prepared.
“My coach was here the first couple of days and having him by my side in the past couple of days was very important to me.
“I just stayed patient out there and made a lot of birdies.”
Nobilio is making her professional debut this week but holds an incredible amateur record on LETAS.
In 2021, the Italian was the top female at the 2021 Roma Alps LETAS Open a mixed event with the Alps Tour and this season has had four starts and finished twice in the top three.
“I thought I would be more anxious, but I think I’ve just focused on my game and not on the fact it’s my professional debut.
“I’m happy I’ve managed the transition well so far.”
No stranger to being in the leading group, Nobilio is excited to compete for the win tomorrow.
“It’s exciting to be in the leading group going into the final day tomorrow. I always want the chance to win. I think that’s what we are all looking for.
“It would mean a lot to win. It would give me a chance to play in the next event which is important to me, and it would boost my confidence.”
England’s Mimi Rhodes and the Netherland’s Nikki Hofstede are tied for third on eight-under-par.
Hofstede carded five birdies and two bogeys to finish the day in second on eight-under-par after two consistent rounds of 67 and 69.
“I’m hitting it off the tee well and then my approaches have been constant. It’s just been steady overall.
“My boyfriend’s best friend is on the bag this week; they are travelling together on the pro golf tour. He’s from Bern so it’s nice to have him here.
“He’s such a fun and funky guy and basically keeps my mind off the game and makes me laugh out there.”
Hofstede currently sits 12th on the LETAS Order of Merit with 625.83 points so a win this week would be crucial in her campaign to secure an LET card for 2025.
“I have done everything I wanted to do in the first two days, and I think if I can do the same tomorrow. Then I will stay happy.
“I’m grateful to be in the position I’m in and I just want to take it one shot at a time and not get ahead of myself and take it easy.”
2024 is Hofstede’s comeback year after a wrist injury saw her sit out on last season so every achievement the Dutchwoman has achieved has been doubly impressive.
“I’m just so grateful after last year to be able to play again and I’m just trying to stay positive and see what the last two events bring me.”
England’s Billie-Jo Smith and Northern Ireland’s Annabel Wilson are heading into final day tied fifth on seven-under-par.
Whilst England’s Megan Dennis, Sweden’s Kajsa Arwefjall and home favourite Switzerland’s Anais Maggetti are rounding out the top 10 in tied seventh on six-under-par.
55 players made the cut which stood at +1.
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