(Killarney, May 11 2002) Denmark’s Iben Tinning and Marine Monnet from France are on the verge of their maiden Tour victories, sharing the lead on three under par after two rounds of the Ladies Irish Open in association with Bord Failte in glorious sunshine at Killarney Golf and Fishing Club in County Kerry.

England’s Trish Johnson carded a one under par 70 to finish one shot back, tied with Norway’s Suzann Pettersen who carded a second consecutive 71.

Australian Corinne Dibnah, who had to withdraw from the Tenerife Ladies Open with a slipped disc in her back, repeated her 72 from yesterday and is tied on level par with first round leader Gina Scott from New Zealand and Stephanie Arricau from France.

And eight players are tied at one over including England’s Georgina Simpson, who added a 73 to her opening 72, and South African Laurette Maritz who carded five birdies in the best of the day four under par 68.

Monnet racked up eight straight pars before finding her putting touch at the ninth to turn in one under 35. Another birdie followed at the tenth and the Paris based player made light work of the 481-yard par five 11th, hitting a seven wood to 12 feet and dispatching the eagle putt with authority.

Tinning – could create history for Denmark

“I was quite pleased with that, but I didn’t hit the ball that well today,” said Tinning, a seven-year member of the Tour.

“I was getting a bit fed up with my putting out there at times, but I’m glad I made them at the last two holes.

“I want to win, I’ve never won a tournament and that is the biggest goal of my life. To be the first lady Dane to win a European event and make history for my country would be fantastic – I’ve come close so many times and one day it is going to come and hopefully it’ll be tomorrow.”

Johnson, who finished 6th at Faithlegg last year in an injury racked season, fired two birdies and a bogey to turn in one under and came home with nine straight pars for her 71.

Pettersen – feeling comfortable

“There is a lot of golf to be played out there yet,” said Pettersen, who is currently lying third in the Solheim Cup rankings.

“I’m surprised that there were not lower scores out there, but these greens are very tricky to read. It’s going to be a tough day tomorrow with so many good players up there but I’m a great position and I feel comfortable.”