Belgian Hugues Joannes one stroke clear

Belgium’s Hugues Joannes leads the 20th Flory Van Donck trophy. He fired 3 under today for minus 7 total. His closest challenger, France’s Sébastien Gros, is 2 strokes behind. Northern Ireland’s Gareth Shaw is third by his own one shot back. Gros won his maiden trophy 2 weeks ago and Shaw got defeated by fellow Brendan McCarroll in Austria last May.

The players called unlucky yesterday as they have to resume their round at 7:00 this morning are with no exception on top of the leaderboard today. They teed off with light rain and took advantage of softer greens to aim flags close. 22 year old Belgian student from Texas is used to do well on home soil.

“I turned pro in 2010 and I am still studying so I try to play as well as finishing my graduation. I am playing on Adams Tour. In USA, the players are more focus on competition than on technical. Level of mini circuit is quite high and it is a good experience to have coming back to play in Europe. I finished 20th tie at Telenet Trophy on Challenge Tour and 9th on EPD Tour 2 weeks ago. I think the key on this course is to put the ball in play. I rather target a spot on the fairway were I would have a second shot I like to hit instead of driving the further I can. I already won last year at Belgium Omnium after being in contention so I know this kind of feeling.”

The afternoon was clear and dry but wind disturbed players and none of them could do better than “early workers”. The cut is fixed at +3 including 2 amateurs.

From Braine-L’Alleud, near Waterloo
Agathe Séron