GOOD THINGS COME to those who wait. England’s Richard Bland is hoping that proves true this weekend as he looks to end 15 seasons on the European Tour without a single tournament victory.
The 39-year-old Southampton native holds a one shot lead in the Italian Open after two rounds after consecutive rounds of 66.
Bland was in sparkling form on the back nine and birdied his final three holes to reach 12-under for the tournament.
The trio of Gregory Bourdy of France, Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano of Spain and South Africa’s Garth Mulroy are each one shot back while first round leader Joel Sjoholm is among seven players three shots behind.
It remains to be seen if Bland can hold on for the victory and better his best ever result, a runner-up spot in the Irish Open a decade ago.
With the Ryder Cup just two weeks away, European captain Jose Maria Olazabal has to be happy with the performance of his three team members competing at the Royal Park I Roveri course just outside Turin.
Martin Kaymar also shot 66 today to move to eight-under with Francesco Molinari a shot further back following a 69 and Nicolas Colsaerts on six-under.
Olazabal himself is on four-under and set to play the weekend.
