Three-way tie for lead in Italy

Denmark’s Karen-Margrethe Juul, Australia’s Sarah Kemp and Italy’s Stefania Croce share the lead on eight under par after the second round of the BMW Ladies Italian Open.

Juul, who opened with a career-best eight-under 64 to lead by two strokes overnight, shot an even-par 72 at Sheraton Parco de Medici in Rome.

Kemp continued her blistering form of late with a faultless 68 and Croce fired 64, tying the course record held by Juul and New Zealander Lynn Brooky.

It was the Italian’s best round in 15 years on the Ladies European Tour.

“I putted well and I hit a lot of greens,” said Croce, whose only Tour victory was at the 1992 Ford Ladies’ Classic.

“It feels great to be leading at home in Italy. I’ve never been leading in an Italian tournament before. I hit 16 greens today and that was the key. I’ve scored eight under before but never in an LET competition.”

Meanwhile, Scotland’s Clare Queen (68) and England’s Trish Johnson (70) held a share of fifth place on six under par.

Queen, playing in her second season on Tour, said: “It was steady stuff. I’m hitting the ball really well but just not holing many putts.

“Yesterday, I had a lot of chances but didn’t make the birdies I’d have liked. The way I’m playing, I feel like I can make some more birdies over the weekend so I’m feeling pretty happy.”

Johnson, a veteran of 17 titles, said: “It was an up and down day today. I hit a lot of bad shots and didn’t capitalise on them.

“I made mistakes on 15 and 16 but I’m happy because I’m playing very well.

“I’m looking forward to the weekend because I’m hitting the iron shots close and I feel like I’m going to hole one soon.”