British duo Hayley Davis and Chloe Williams are tied on -6 at the top of the Amundi Czech Ladies Challenge leaderboard after 36 holes at the Golf Resort Konopiste. The pair began the day in a share for the lead on four-under and once again posted matching scores with a two under 70 on the second day in Bystrice.
England’s Davis currently lies in third position in the Road to La Largue standings and showed further evidence of her championship credentials on day two at the Czech event. Out early, Davis began the day perfectly with a birdie on the par-5 opening hole. The 26-year-old also birdied the fourteenth before a rare mistake at the sixteenth cost her a clean card with a dropped shot on the 162-yard par-3. Davis bounced back at the eighteen with a final birdie to bookend her round and ultimately claim a share of the lead.
“It was good, just a solid day, lots of fairways and greens. I didn’t putt that great, I had 37 putts, but the ball-striking was good, so I was pleased with that.”
The 26-year-old from Poole has been in fine form on the LET Access Series this season but is yet to convert one of several top-10 finishes into a victory on the tour. Despite this, Davis remains confident of taking home the title after tomorrow’s final round.
“It’s good (to be in contention again). I like the course a lot so just go out there and do the same as I’ve done the last couple of days, focus on hitting the fairways and greens, and see how it goes.”
Wales’ Chloe Williams teed off in the afternoon from the tenth tee and after an opening bogey then turned things around with three birdies in her opening nine holes. The 24-year-old played steady golf in her final nine to stay two-under for the day and in a share for the tournament lead on –6.
Williams also lies in the top-10 in the Road to La Largue standings after a series of strong showings over the 2019 season but like Davis is yet to record a first LET Access Series win. The Welsh player has credited some of her recent success to work with a new mind-coach and will be looking to keep her mind right on the final day to secure an elusive first LETAS crown.
A shot behind the leading pair on -5 are Czech duo Katerina Vlasinova and amateur Tereza Melecka. Vlasinova finished fifth last time out in Valencia and looks set to be in the title mix again after an impressive four-under-par 68 – the joint low score on the second day at Konopiste.
Melecka began the day a shot adrift of the leaders and remains just one behind after matching the British duo’s score of 70 on day two. Despite a second strong showing, the amateur was left to rue a few missed putts that cost her a share of the lead.
“I’m pretty happy, I missed a two-metre putt and I got pretty mad, but I was playing really good. It was smooth and I enjoyed it more than yesterday. But the putting wasn’t that good. I tried but they just wouldn’t go in!”
The home-favourite has looked comfortable on a course she knows well, finishing second in the same event on the 2018 LET Access Series, and recently had further success by winning the Czech Junior Championship just ten days ago. Heading into the final round, Melecka maintains hopes of going one better in her local event.
“I think I feel more confident because this season is pretty good for me. I’m trying to do my best and I’ll be in a good mood and we’ll see.”
Afternoon thunderstorms may be an issue for the final day of the Amundi Czech Ladies Challenge tomorrow. Eight players will start the day within two shots of the lead and an inspired final round could see any one of the dangerous chasing pack come from behind to take the title at Konopiste.
