Marcel Siem takes halfway lead

Marcel Siem started on the back nine and made an eagle at the par-5 17th as well as four birdies and three bogeys to close with a 3-under 69 and move to the top of the leaderboard at 9-under at the Betfred British Masters hosted by Sir Nick Faldo.

“It was a great start. My ego took over a little on the back nine because I hit really good shots,” said the German.

“On the 18th I got a bit unlucky with my drive, had a bad lie and missed the first short putt. Then on the first, I had two great shots. Misread that putt.

“On the second, I hit a great drive. I thought it was in the fairway. It bounced to the right apparently, pretty bad lie. Misread that putt for par as well. Next hole as well. Next hole as well.

“Then I finally hole one on the next, misread it again. Felt like I could have shot a bit lower today. So my ego took a bit over. That’s why you didn’t see me smiling.

“I will be smiling soon.”

England’s Matt Fitzpatrick made two bogeys and recorded a 69 to move into second place at 8-under.

“I felt like I played really solid. Ten fours in a row to start the day is always nice and steady, I guess,” said Fitzpatrick.

“I wish there were a few more par fives there, but it was a good day all around. I felt like I never really put myself out of position and drove the ball really well off the tee. And I think if you can do that, you give yourself a chance.”

England’s Matt Wallace also made two bogeys for his 69 and is tied in third place at 7-under alongside South African Brandon Stone whose 69 comprised of seven birdies and four bogeys and New Zealand’s Kazuma Kobori who made three bogeys for a 68.

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