Wall credits 59p iPhone app for Sicilian Open halfway lead

ANTHONY WALL hailed the influence of an unusual piece of golfing technology after surging to the lead at the Sicilian Open.

The Englishman began the day in a four-way tie for fourth after a 66 on Thursday and he produced another consistent round yesterday to take the clubhouse lead at the Donnafugata Golf Resort.

Wall enjoyed birdies on the fourth and sixth before hitting an eagle on the 12th as he finished the round on four under par.

And the 35-year-old, whose only European Tour title came back in 2000, revealed: “I bought a Dave Stockton iPhone app about reading greens and that is the best 59 pence I have ever spent because his tips have really simplified a few things for me. I haven’t holed everything but I have hit my putts better.

“It was a bargain, I have to say – you don’t get many valuable lessons for 59 pence these days! Dave Stockton is and always was an amazing putter and you tend to listen to those guys a bit more.”

He added: “I haven’t really had a tough par putt for the last two days and that tells you how well I have been playing. If I can stay strong mentally then I should have a good chance to win here.”

Raphael Jacquelin and Richard Green are tied for second, though the pair both marred excellent rounds with double bogeys.