Soren Hansen has struggled of late and Justin Rose has been losing sleep, but both took big strides towards securing their Ryder Cup places at The KLM Open on Thursday.
Their revivals were not big enough to see them catch Dutchman Rolf Muntz, who was the star of the opening round at the Kennemer Golf and Country Club with a six under par 64, but they are firmly in contention.
For Denmark’s Hansen, who shot a brilliant 65 to share second with John Bickerton, it could mean the end of a mini-slump. In his last four events, his best position has been a tie for 64th at The Open Championship, but his form here seems inspired.
His front nine was going well with birdies at the second, third and eighth before the wind was sapped from his sails by a double bogey six at the ninth.
However, rather than crumble, he hit back with what he called a "spectacular" inward 30 that featured birdies at the tenth, 12th, 16th and 18th holes.
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