italian euro

Robert Rock is chasing his first European Tour win after a strong second round of 68  at the halfway stage of the BMW Italian Open.

Rock reached 12 under par at Royal Park I Roveri and is hoping to hold his nerve coming into the weekend.

He is just one shot ahead of compatriot and first round joint-leader Chris Wood and Dutchman Joost Luiten.

“I putted really well yesterday but today I hit a few that came up short of the hole,” Rock said, after a day when one hour and 20 minutes play were lost to bad weather.

“All I can do is work hard and keep practising and hope that a win will eventually happen. Some people manage it straight away and some take a bit of time and I’ve passed 200 tournaments now. I hadn’t attempted to qualify for the US Open before so it’s going to be a great experience going to Congressional next week.”

Wood managed a 69 as he too looks to claim his first European Tour title. He recently saw a four-shot lead disappear as he falted against Darren Clarke in the Majorca event.

Local hero and former winner here Francesco Molinari carded a second round 68 to keep in touch with the leaders. He is only two ,  shots behind Rock.

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