Kim Metraux produced a masterclass on day two at the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open firing a career-best round of 63 (-9) to storm into the outright lead on 13-under par.
Four back before the start of play at Royal Beroun, the Swiss star lit things up from the get-go carding three birdies in a row at the 10th, 11th and 12th.
She would add two more birdies before the turn at the 16th and 18th to go out in 31, carding a sixth at the par-4 3rd to tie the lead.
With the sun beaming down on Beroun, Metraux, chasing a maiden win on the Ladies European Tour (LET), birdied her remaining par-5s at the 5th and 7th to storm into the outright lead before rolling in a ninth of the day at the par-3 8th.
“This is the lowest round I’ve ever had,” the Swiss star said. “It was just one of those days where everything went really well. I didn’t really miss any shots or putts, to be honest. It was so nice. I gave myself a lot of opportunities and made the most of them.
“I’m really happy with how it went. I kind of lost track of what my score was, I just knew I went really low. I really loved it and hopefully I can have a day like that again.”
The career-best round was made even more special given that Metraux’s husband, Rodolphe, was alongside her on the bag.
“It was so nice,” the 30-year-old continued. “He’s quite chill on the course which is perfect for me. He wasn’t too tied to the score which helped. We’re going into Prague tonight. He found a super good Italian restaurant that he swears has the best tiramisu, so we’re going to go back there tonight.”
In solo second sits rookie Esme Hamilton. The Englishwoman, teeing up in only her sixth LET event, replicated yesterday’s 66 (-6) showing tremendous composure to remain in contention. Hamilton’s highlight came at the par-5 15th when she holed out with her third shot for eagle.
“It was a pretty stock shot,” the 25-year-old said. “50 degrees, bounced and went in! It was really nice. Then the rest of the round, pretty solid, just like yesterday. I rolled in some nice putts. I’m ready for tomorrow.
“The weather is stunning here and it’s great to see a lot of spectators out. I’m loving my rookie year. It’s been a slow start but I’m very happy with out it’s turning out now.”
In a tie for third on 10-under par sit Mallorcan duo Nuria Iturrioz and Luna Sobron Galmes, plus 16-year-old rookie Anna Huang.
The latter had an excellent day firing her best round to date on the LET, a 65 (-7) which included an eagle at the par-5 7th.
“I’m really pleased with today,” Huang said. “My putting was so solid and I hit a lot of fairways and greens. It’s my first time in the Czech Republic and it’s been really fun so far. I think I’m going to go into Prague tonight and check out the city.”
Sobron Galmes meanwhile went bogey-free shooting a 67 (-5) to continue her fine form. The Spanish star finished T10 at last week’s Hulencourt Women’s Open and T4 at the Dutch ladies Open last month. Three adrift heading into Sunday, a victory in Czech Republic would be her first on the LET.
“I feel very comfortable at the moment,” Sobron Galmes said. “I keep playing really well the last few weeks. I have a lot of confidence and I’m happy. The long game is in good shape.
“I hit the pin on the 13th. It was a really good shot but then it rolled all the way down the green and ended up about 10 metres away. Luckily I still made par.”
Her compatriot, Iturrioz, also had an excellent day firing eight birdies for a round of 66 (-6). This included a birdie on her final hole, the par-4 9th, after the four-time LET winner drove the green.
“I played really solid,” Iturrioz said. “I’ve been working a lot on my swing and with my caddie. I think we’re doing a great job and I love this course. I’ve played here for many years. I like it a lot and I’m happy to be here.”
Six players round out the top-10 in a tie for sixth on nine-under par. This group includes Spain’s Harang Lee, Ireland’s Lauren Walsh, Slovenia’s Pia Babnik, Wales’ Darcey Harry – winner of last week’s Hulencourt Women’s Open – England’s Hannah Screen and Netherlands’ Romy Meekers.
Another of the stories of the day came from Czech amateur Natalie Saint Germain who fired a round of 65 (-7) on home soil to move up to T22.
After 36 holes of action, 71 players made the cut which fell at three-under par – the lowest cut line of the season so far.
Follow all the action from the Tipsport Czech Ladies Open on our socials – @LETgolf on Instagram, TikTok and X, and Ladies European Tour on YouTube and Facebook – #TipsportCzechLadiesOpen.
