Nicolo Ravano shoots a 12-under-par 59 on 

Challenge Tour, one better than Ross Kellett

FROM THE CHALLENGE TOUR WEBSITE

Adrien Saddier shot a six-under-par 65 to lead after the second round of the Fred Olsen Challenge de España, during a day where Nicolo Ravano became only the second player in the history of the European, Challenge and Seniors Tours to card a 59.
On a day of remarkable scoring at Tecina Golf it was France’s Saddier who claimed the lead after picking up six birdies in a bogey-free round to reach 16 under par overall.
Overnight leader from Scotland, Ross Kellett, who equalled the course record with a sensational 60 yesterday, finished eagle, birdie to sign for a second round 67 and claim outright second in La Gomera.
But it was tied third-place Ravano who stole the show, becoming the first player since France’s Adrien Mörk – who made the first official 59 on the Challenge Tour in 2006 – to reach the magic number after making an eagle two at the 18th.
“I hope Nicolo doesn’t go and shoot 59 again this weekend,” said 24 year old Saddier, who carded a sublime 61 during round one.
“I hit it pretty well with the driver so I wasn’t in the rough and my long irons were very good. I wasn’t so close to the pins as yesterday.
“It was a great run though and a six under and a ten under is a great feeling. It is like being on holiday here so I was very relaxed on the first tee and I just tried to keep the focus from yesterday – just take it shot by shot.
“Over the weekend I will try to forget the two last rounds and just try to keep shooting under par. I will do my best to keep the lead and am feeling confident.”
Italy’s Ravano put his name in the history books by shooting an incredible 12 under par, bogey-free round, carding ten birdies and an eagle to break Kellett’s course record by one stroke.
The 31 year old picked up five birdies over the front nine, reaching the turn in 31. The Genoa man, who earned a European Tour card for this season at Qualifying School, then continued his stunning form over the back nine, making four consecutive birdies from holes 12 to 15.
After a further gain at the 17th hole, Ravano walked down the 18th fairway knowing he needed an eagle to make history.
And it was only until he came on to the green that the record-breaker knew he had made history, after holing out from 114 yards with his sand wedge.
“It is a great, great feeling,” said Ravano, whose previous career best over 18 holes was eight under par.
“Throughout today I just played safe and gave myself a lot of chances for birdie. Then I went out and holed a lot of putts – I have never putted as well in my life – so am very happy.
“Walking down 18 nobody clapped so it was a really nice surprise to find that it had gone in the hole.
“I was afraid that the ball was spinning out of the green and in to the bunker – when I didn’t see it was on the green that’s what I was looking at.
“There was a ball on the fringe and I thought it was mine. But the caddy of Joseph [Dean] told me ‘it’s in’ and it was a great moment.
“When I realised it was 59 I was very proud as you don’t see many of those. I am hoping I can make it happen again and get it done. I now have to keep the momentum going over the weekend.”

 LEADERBOARD
 par 142 (2x71)
126 Adrien Saddier (Fra) 61 65
127 Ross Kellett (Sco) 60 67
128 Nicolo Ravano (Ita) 69 59, Charlie Ford (Eng) 64 64, Jose luis Adarraga (Spa) 64 64, Steven Tiley (Eng) 63 66

OTHER SCOTS' SCORES
132 David Law 67 65 (T17)
133 Scott Henry 64 69 (T25)
134 George Murray 65 69 (T137)

MISSED CUT (136 and better qualified)
138 Bradley Neil 70 68, Elliot Saltman 70 68
141 Grant Forrest (am) 69 72, Craig Ross (am) 69 72.
142 Jack Doherty 69 73
144 Wallace Booth 71 73
145 Paul Shields 69 76