Matt Wallace leads European Masters with stunning 62 in Switzerland

Matt Wallace of England delivered an impressive performance at the European Masters in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, shooting an 8-under 62 without a single bogey after 36 holes. This remarkable round included five birdies in six holes, highlighted by back-to-back chip-ins at the 4th and 5th holes. Wallace's score of 14 under par overall places him four strokes ahead of his nearest competitor, Alex Fitzpatrick, who shot a 67 following an opening 63. The tournament has seen contrasting performances from the Fitzpatrick brothers. While Alex is positioned as Wallace's closest challenger, older brother Matt Fitzpatrick, a former U.S. Open champion, struggled with a 3-over 73, barely making the cut at 1-under par. This disparity in performance underscores the unpredictable nature of golf, where even seasoned players can face challenges. Wallace, currently ranked 91st, is looking to regain his form after winning his last European tour title six years ago. His focus extends beyond just winning; he aims to impress European captain Luke Donald for a potential spot on the Ryder Cup team next year. Wallace expressed his desire to play well consistently, indicating that his performance in this tournament could influence his future opportunities. As the tournament progresses, Wallace's strong showing sets a high bar for the remaining competitors, including Jordan Smith and Henrik Norlander, who are tied for third place at 9 under. The final rounds will be crucial for all players as they vie for the title and the associated accolades.