Calzavara enjoys home comforts

Tullia Calzavara gave the home crowd something to cheer as her five-under-par 67 lifted her into the lead after the second round of the BMW Ladies Italian Open in Rome.

The 22-year-old from Venice, yet to win a professional title, leads by two on nine under par from current European number one Gwladys Nocera, who carded a 66 for the lowest round of the week at Sheraton Parco de’ Medici.

“I know nearly everybody here I think,” said Calzavara. “All my friends are here, its great. I would love to be the first Italian winner of the Open.”

“I’m very relaxed. I had five birdies today and no mistakes. Yesterday seven birdies, so I am playing really well.”

One shot behind Nocera are Spain’s Elisa Serramia and Denmark’s Amanda Moltke Leth with Scotland’s Clare Queen in a group on five under after rounds of 71 and 68.

“It was really good today going out with a good first round under my belt. I was able to relax and I knew I was playing well so I could go out and relax,” said the 2004 Ladies British Amateur stroke play champion from Drumpellier.

“It makes a change from going out and thinking that you have to shoot 68 or 69 to make the cut. Today the cut wasn’t really in my mind.”