Golf: Error at last fails to dampen Campbell's mood

Michael Campbell

SAINT QUENTIN, France - Despite dropping a shot on the last hole to card a one under par 70 in his second round at the French Open today Michael Campbell was happy with his chances for the weekend.

Campbell finished his round in a share of third place at seven under par, two shots behind England's John Bickerton, after he found the water just right of the green at the 18th hole of the National Club course in Versailles, near Paris.

For a second day running Campbell bogeyed his first hole when he three-putted but he responded with four birdies on his remaining eight outward holes to move to nine under par.

But an up and down second nine with bogeys on the 11th, 13th and 18th against a solitary birdie at the 12th eroded the early gains.

"There was not much different today compared to the first round," Campbell said.

"My ball striking was similar and whilst I made an error at the last everything else was pleasing and it was good to get myself in a position to hopefully go on and win at the weekend.

"That was my goal, to get myself in a situation where I can win."

It's been nine months since Campbell last tasted success when he defeated Ireland's Paul McGinley in the final of the HSBC World Match-Play last October at Wentworth.

Fellow New Zealander Stephen Scahill missed the halfway cut for an eighth time in 13 events in Europe this year, adding a second round 73 that included a triple bogey at the fifth hole to his first round 73.

Scotland's Gary Orr produced the best round of the day, a seven under par 64 to move to second place on eight under par.

- NZPA