James Kingston and David Shacklady will share a one shot lead heading into the final round of the Druh Belts presents Paris Legends Championship by Renault Z.E. after a dramatic finish to day two at Racing Club de France la Boulie.
Englishman Shacklady put himself into contention to claim back-to-back Staysure Tour titles after a spectacular second round of 66, six under par, which included eight birdies, to head into the final day on nine under par alongside South African Kingston.
The 52-year-old is looking to follow in the footsteps of defending champion Gary Orr by securing the second of two consecutive wins on the over 50s circuit at the Paris Legends Championship after his one shot triumph at Hanbury Manor Marriot Country Club three weeks ago.
‘’I obviously played well last time around at Hanbury Manor,’’ Shacklady said. ‘’I didn’t quite feel as good when I arrived this week, a little bit tired, but I’ve hit it really nice today and putted well. I’m constantly working on my game. When you are playing well that is when you really should be working because then you know what you’re doing right.
‘’Getting the win earlier this month gives me a lot of confidence. I’ve gradually improved through the summer. I feel like I’m comfortable being where I am and I’m comfortable being at the top. It is patience really and it is lovely when you’re playing well, and you don’t have to push. That’s when you find that you can play your best.’’
Kingston, who will go in search of his first Staysure Tour title when he tees it up tomorrow, signed off with three consecutive birdies to follow his opening round of 68 with an impressive five under par round of 67. The two-time European Tour winner, who has twice finished runner-up this season, recorded five birdies in his closing ten holes to put himself in contention to secure his maiden over 50’s victory.
The pair will be joined in the final group by Jean-François Remésy, who matched the low round of the week, a six under par round of 66, as he looks to go one better than his runner-up finish twelve months ago. The Frenchman will begin his final round one shot clear of two-time Senior Major Winner Roger Chapman, with overnight leader Thomas Levet and Peter Baker one shot further back.
The leading pair will get their third round started at 10:28am local time, alongside Remesy, with the opening group getting the final round under way at 9:00am.
