Thornton scrambles into contention

Golf:Irishman Simon Thornton put himself into contention in the Saint-Omer Open with a two under par 69, second round. The 35 year old said his score, which leaves him four shots off the lead held by Korean Sihwan Kim after a wet and blustery second day, was testament to his touch around the greens.

“I’m hitting it pretty poorly but my short game is saving me,” said Thornton. “I got up and down from everywhere today – probably six or seven times. I’m putting really well so once I’m on the green I’m fine; it’s just getting on the green that’s the problem.

“I haven’t hit the ball out the middle of the club for two days, but I’m in a good position and I’m excited for the weekend. I’ll be hitting the range try to fix my ball-striking, and if I can do that it should be a good weekend.”

Thornton’s compatriot Colm Moriarty impressed in the first round with a three under par 68, but found it tougher going in round two and signed for a 77 which leaves him in a tie for 45th place on four over heading into the weekend.