Ben Campbell shot a 66 on Friday at Natadola Bay Golf Club and will take a commanding four-shot lead into the weekend at the Fiji International.
Campbell entered the day tied for the lead, but after signing for a card comprised of 10 pars, seven birdies and just one bogey, the New Zealander found himself alone atop the marquee at 11-under par.
“I played really well out there,” said Campbell, a six-year pro who is making just his 9th European Tour start.
“Got off to a nice start, which was good, birdied my second hole and just played really solid, kept the ball in play.
“I didn’t hit really too many bad shots out there. The putter was feeling good, chipped it well and it was just keep the ball in play, so couldn’t complain.
“Winning any event would help in some way, whether it’s to get your status or secure status or get you into other events. I think the easy part’s done, it’s the tough part now to keep going.”
Australian Andrew Dodt was next after a second-day 70 got him to 7-under par, one clear of compatriots Jarryd Felton (71) and Terry Pilkadaris (68).
Another Aussie, Steven Jeffress, eagled the par-5 first hole en route to a tournament-low 66 and a two-day score of 5-under par.
Jeffress was tied for fifth alongside countrymen Nick Cullen (72) and Jake McLeod (67), as well as Kiwis Harry Bateman (69) and Nick Voke (67). Indian Gaganjeet Bhullar and China’s Wu Ashun were also in the T5 group after second-day 69s.
On the flip side of things, Fijian Amitesh Chandra missed the cut by 36 shots after posting rounds of 94 and 90 to finish 40-over par!
TOP 5 LEADERS
POS-PLAYER-TO PAR (TODAY)
1. Ben Campbell -11 (-6)
2. Andrew Dodt -7 (-2)
3. Jarryd Felton -6 (-1)
3. Terry Pilkadaris -6 (-4)
5. Ashun Wu -5 (-3)
5. Stephen Jeffress -5 (-6)
5. Jake McLeoad -5 (-5)
5. Gaganjeet Bhukkar -5 (-3)
5. Nick Cullen -5 (E)
5. Harry Bateman -5 (-3)
5. Nick Voke -5 (-5)
QUOTABLE
“Winning any event would help in some way, whether it’s to get your status or secure status or get you into other events. I think the easy part’s done, it’s the tough part now to keep going.”
– Ben Campbell
