Belgian rookie Pieters leads Spanish Open at halfway

Belgian Thomas Pieters carded a second 69 to take a six-under halfway lead of the Spanish Open at the PGA Catalunya Resort on Friday. Pieters overcame three bogeys in his first four holes to finish the second round one shot ahead of overnight leader Eddie Pepperell and Joost Luiten of the Netherlands. "I stayed really patient, I just grinded it out because it was really windy the first 10 or 11 holes. I just hung in there and made some late birdies which is nice. The wind died out on the last nine and I took advantage of that," said the 22-year-old Belgian, who turned professional last year. "I think I'm good enough and it had to show today. I didn't think that six under after two days would be leading but it's a tough course, the rough is really high and the greens are firm enough. "I know I'm up (there), but there's a long way to go. It's the first time I'm in first position, I'm happy to be here and excited for tomorrow. This is new for me and I just have to deal with it tomorrow. I'll try to stay calm, stay really patient... it's fun." Source: AFP