Spain’s Pablo Larrazabal boosted hopes of a second BMW International Open success in three years with a blistering score on 63 to move into a four way tie for the lead on day two of the event near Cologne.
Larrazabal didn’t drop a shot in continuing ideal scoring conditions and capped his round with five birdies in succession from his fourth hole on the Gut Larcenhof course.
The 31-year old Barcelona golfer, who defeated fellow Spaniard Sergio Garcia in 2011 in Munich, joined England’s Danny Willett and Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello, each with four-under par 68s, atop of the board at 12-under par and needing just 23 putts in the Euro 2m event.
The trio were then joined by 21-year old Argentinian Emiliano Grillo who signed off for a six under par 66.
Pablo Larrazabal in good spirits and on route to a 63 on day two of the BMW International Open. (Photo – David Lloyd/www.golffile.ie)
“There is a no more trouble on this course than where I won in Munich,” said Larrazabal.
“But with all the guys out there shooting low you just have to keep going and make as many birdies as you can.
“So it’s all about continuing to play well and holing the birdie putts.
“I also can’t think about winning this event again and my focus is that there is 36 holes to play and 36 birdies to be made.”
The current World No. 61 ranked Larrazbal broke through for a maiden Tour title in capturing the 2008 France Open title after having to go through a 36-hole qualifier on the Monday prior to the start of the event.
Larrazabal celebrated his win being dosed in champagne and then jumping into the water guarding the 18th green where the 2018 Ryder Cup will be staged.
There was no seperating playing partners Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Danny Willett after two rounds of the 2014 BMW International Open. (Photo – www.golfbytourmiss.com)
However he admitted capturing a second Tour title in Munich was a lot more stressful.
“My first win on Tour in France will always be special to me but it was more special winning a second tournament was a lot tougher,” he said.
Miguel Angel Jimenez, winner also in Munich a decade ago, continued to boost claims for Ryder Cup selection with a second straight score of 67 to move to a clubhouse share of fifth place on 10-under par.
The 50-year old Spaniard is just three spots outside of automatically qualifying for a fifth European Team cap.
