Sanchez tops tight leaderboard in Rome

(Rome, June 4 2004) Spain’s Ana-Belen Sanchez defied a blustery wind to take the lead after the second round of the €275,000 BMW Ladies Italian Open after carding an impressive three under par 69 around Parco di Roma GC on the outskirts of the Italian capital.

Beauchet – LET Rookie

“I’ve put myself into contention now and the plan is to carry on the way I’m playing and if my play like the way I’m playing, I’ll be happy with that…but it’s nice to be at the top of the leaderboard!”

Beauchet, who earned her card at last season’s qualifying school in Portugal, has been showing good form in her rookie season with a 17th place finish in Portugal and her first top ten of her career in Spain last week.

In the second round, the 2003 European Amateur Champion, who has been hailed as one of the best amateurs to come out of France in recent years, demolished the back nine during blustery conditions.

Turning in level par 36, Beauchet’s putter turned red-hot as racked up birdies at the 11th, 12th and 17th and 18th to put herself in the mix at the weekend.

“I’m very happy with the way my putter was working today,” said Beauchet. “I have not been putting well since Tenerife, but today, I felt it was good and having good greens really helps.”