Nelly Korda ahead of Klatten and Boutier ambushed after 36 holes - photoTristan Jones / LET

After the successes of Beth Allen in 2016 and Cristie Kerr in 2017 at the Chantaco golf course, Nelly Korda seems well on the way to confirming the recent American hegemony over the Lacoste Ladies Open de France. The player from Florida, who at 21 already has two titles on the American circuit and is ranked 10th in the world, has indeed returned the best card of the second round this Friday, a 64 (-7) which offers her six strokes. advance to mid-tournament. “Even though there is still a long way to go by Sunday, I played very well today. I started out on the hats but slowed down on my comeback where I missed a few small putts. Fortunately I ended up with a beautiful eagle. Overall I feel pretty comfortable on the greens this week, ”she commented. At -10 after 36 holes, Korda therefore has a significant lead over her runners-up, the Englishwoman Charlotte Thompson (70), the Spanish Azahara Muñoz (72) and the French Joanna Klatten (70)..

The latter, who has also played on the other side of the Atlantic since 2014, confirmed her good first round (68, -3) by posting a card of 70 (-1) this Friday afternoon, despite a wind swirling and overwhelming heat. With a total of -4, she finds herself tied for second in the Lacoste Ladies Open de France, a position that delights her after a 2019 season marked by doubts, questioning and a lot of technical work: "We must accept that" there are difficult phases, from time to time you have to be slapped in the face to bounce back. It feels good to be in this position after two laps. Mentally, I feel good this week: I manage to stay in my bubble, not to project myself and to stay focused on the present moment. And then it's great to have the public with me, it makes us stick a little more! »She said all smiles after her game.

Klatten will meet his compatriot Céline Boutier in the penultimate part on Saturday during the third round, at 12:15 pm, since the latter is in fifth position at -3 after having made a solid 69 (-2). “Today I had fewer birdie chances than yesterday, but my putting was a little better which allowed me to score better. I made fewer mistakes too. If I manage to be a little more successful in putting this weekend, there is much to be hoped for, ”said the number 1 tricolor. Note that among the 65 players who crossed the cut, set at +6, there are twelve French women, including the only amateur player in the field, Candice Mahé (60th).

The public will be able to come and support the players who have passed the cut of the Lacoste Ladies Open of France from the first starts at 8 am. Access to the golf course and parking are free and open to all. Catering possible on site