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Farry leads as second round finishes

Marc Farry birdied four of the last eight holes Saturday for a 65 and a one-shot lead at the French Open. The 41-year- old Frenchman, one of 75 players who returned to complete Friday's rain- suspended second round, holds a total of seven-under-par 133.

Farry is looking to become the first French player to win this event since Jean Garaialde in 1969. But first he will have to survive a 36-hole final day, made necessary by the rainy conditions that have saturated the Sangliers course at Lyon Golf Club over the past three days.

The resumption of round two was delayed several hours until Saturday afternoon due to continued rain overnight. Because of the late start, no attempt was made to begin the third round, leaving the final 36 holes for Sunday.

"It was very difficult getting up so early and then playing so late," said Farry, who shot his career-best 63 in the 1999 French Open and tied for eighth. "It is amazing the course has dried so well and the greens are fantastic. I putted very well, which is unusual for me, and took only 29 putts."

Farry, who posted two birdies against one bogey on the front nine prior to the suspension of Friday's action, picked up his round with a par at the 10th before notching birdies at the 11th and 13th. He closed with two birdies over the last three holes to move out to a slim advantage.

"I’m not so nervous and will take the last day as it comes," said Farry, whose lone win came in the 1996 BMW International Open. "It is always nice to lead in your home country."

Right behind Farry is three-time French Amateur Champion Gregory Havret, whose second straight three-under 67 lifted him into a tie for second at six-under 134 with Anders Hansen of Denmark.

Havret, 24, earned his card for the 2000 European Tour by finishing 21st at the Q-School finals in November. He has played in eight tournaments so far this year and has made the cut in each one.

"Waiting eight hours was difficult but it is the same for everyone," said Havret, who also won the European Amateur crown in 1999. "I’m looking forward to tomorrow."

Hansen, seeking his first win, found water at his last hole Saturday but managed to save par for a 68.

"I’m up there with two French guys so let them take the pressure and see what happens," he said.

Among the eight players two shots off the pace at five-under is Jose Maria Olazabal, who shot 69 after recovering from a bogey at 13 with a birdie at 17.

"My putting was no good today," said the two-time Masters champion. "I left everything short. Made a good putt on the ninth, my first and then the only other putt I made was on the 17th from 12 feet at the most. I didn’t strike the ball well today. I wasn’t feeling comfortable today on the course. Missed quite a few tee shots."

A total of 80 players made the cut, which fell at even-par 140.

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