Filippi flies into the lead in Zimbabwe Open

Luca Filippi fired a superb seven-under-par 65 on Friday in the second round of the FBC Zimbabwe Open at Chapman Golf Club to claim a five-shot lead heading into the weekend.

Filippi, who began the day in a tie for fifth after shooting 68 at Royal Harare Golf Club on the first day, was just one-under-par through nine holes on Friday, but he knew he was playing well and stuck at it.

Even missing a short birdie putt on the 10th did not derail him and he then exploded into action with successive birdies on the 11th and 12th holes, an eagle on the par-five 14th, and further birdies on 16 and 18.

"I played nicely from the start, even though I was only one-under on the front nine," Filippi said.

"I had some nice opportunities for birdie and then missed a short one on 10, but it was great to then start making putts. I was especially happy about my eagle on 14 because I had only played the par fives in level par on the front.

"I wanted to be aggressive and on both courses they're using for the tournament, you've got to hit your driver very well. If you position yourself well off the tee, then there are lots of birdies out there. I was doing that well today, although the putting was a little tricky at Chapman - the greens aren't rolling quite as pure as at Royal Harare. But I knew there was definitely a low score out here.

"I will keep my game plan pretty much the same over the weekend, shooting four-under at Royal Harare on the first day was a good start. I need to keep being aggressive. I can't afford to sit back and relax. I need to keep my foot on the pedal, be aggressive off the tee and give my putts a chance," Filippi said.

Filippi, who is on 11-under-par at the halfway stage, will need to keep an eye on second-placed Louis de