Jimenez cards career best

Updated on: 05 September,2010 06:47 AM IST |
AFP |

Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez, a stalwart of Europe's Ryder Cup team, opened a three-shot lead at the European Masters after carding the lowest round of his 27 year career

Spanish veteran Miguel Angel Jimenez, a stalwart of Europe's Ryder Cup team, opened a three-shot lead at the European Masters after carding the lowest round of his 27 year career.

The 46-year-old claimed two eagles and six birdies for a 10 under par 61 in the second round on yesterday.
It could have been even better for Jimenez who was within sight of the European Tour's first-ever 59 when he reached the 16th tee needing two more birdies.

But he parred the three remaining holes for a 14 under total of 128 at the halfway stage of the tournament which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour.

"It was a beautiful day in the mountains," said Jimenez, playing in his 535th European Tour event.

"I was thinking 59 a little bit and I tried, but it was still a great round. All the clubs were working properly and that's what you need."

Jimenez's Ryder Cup teammate Edoardo Molinari, who won the Johnnie Walker Championship last weekend, shares second place with 17-year-old Italian compatriot Matteo Manassero, the overnight leader.
Molinari, handed a wild card by Ryder Cup captain Colin Montgomerie, added a 65 to his opening 66 while Manassero, trying to become The European Tour's youngest-ever winner, chipped in for eagle at the long 15th in his 67.