Wahlin races seven strokes clear in Turkey

Sweden’s Lotta Wahlin extended her overnight lead after a second successive round of two-under-par 71 at the Garanti American Express Turkish Ladies Open.

She fired four birdies and two bogeys on the tough course at National Golf Club in Belek, Antalya, to lead by seven shots over her nearest rivals on a total of four-under-par.

Recent LET winners Gwladys Nocera from France and Sweden’s Emma Zackrisson tied for second on three-over-par. Crowned the Spanish Open champion three weeks ago, Zackrisson shot 74, while last week’s Scottish Open winner Nocera was one of five players to score below par on the second day after a one-under 72.

Wahlin said she had no idea why she was so far ahead of the field at the halfway stage of the tournament: “I don’t have an explanation. I am just playing my game and having fun. The greens were about the same as yesterday. They are not that quick so you can control the distance but they are a bit firm. They were firm yesterday as well.

“The wind was really changing today. On our back nine, the course front nine, it was really changing and very difficult.”
Having returned to the clubhouse by lunchtime as the winds increased, Wahlin saw many of her nearest rivals drop down the leader board.

Spaniard Paula Marti, placed two shots behind the leader in second overnight, carded a 77 to slip back into a share of fourth with compatriot Ana Belen Sanchez (76) on four-over-par.

As the only player below par for the tournament, Wahlin, 24, from Linkoping mastered the hard, bouncy greens and tight, tree lined fairways that were causing unusually high scoring. In so doing she also placed herself in line for a first official tournament victory in her fourth year as a member of the LET. Wahlin’s previous best finish on tour was third at the 2007 Finnair Masters in Finland, although she secured the Catalonia Ladies title a month ago, which was a non-official invitational event for the top 20 players on the LET.

“This is a course where anything can happen so if I keep on playing like I do now then I’m going to win,” said Wahlin. “You never know what will happen but I’m just going to do my best and have fun with my caddie.”

Andy Danewid, who is Wahlin’s caddie as well as her manager, is also a young professional golfer from Sweden which facilitates a strong working relationship. Such is her confidence, not only is Wahlin hoping to earn her maiden victory this week, she is also aiming to win at least three LET titles this year.