(Wiener Neustadt – 27 May 2005) Federica Piovano from Italy had the round of her life as she took the second round lead at the €250,000 Siemens Austrian Ladies Open Powered by EVN.

Piovano on the 18th green

“I planned my game for this course and it just went to plan, almost every shot was perfect. I had a couple of mis-hits but I managed to make par. Everything went well.

“I didn’t know who the leader was at the start as I just like to watch my own game.

“Everybody practises a lot and we are all good enough technically but the key is in your mind. If you can stay focused on every shot, that’s really tough, but if you can do that, then you get the result.

“It was my best round ever and it finally came during a tournament.

“I’m really tired now so I’m probably going to go to bed early but tomorrow I’ll start again and I’m ready for anything that comes my way!”

Headliner Davies was in buoyant spirits as she left the course tied for second position despite a slow start with two bogeys on the second and fifth.

“I played really well today. I had a rough start, I had a bad tee shot on two and then got into trouble on five. But then I settled down and had some good birdie chances,” said Davies, from Ottershaw in Surrey.

“I actually had a really good up and down for a par on 13 as well, so very good overall.

“I’ll have to be on my best form over the weekend, I mean look at the scores. I don’t know the girl that’s leading but with a 62 she’s obviously very good.

“I’m up there with a chance and that’s all you can look for. Just got to have another solid round tomorrow. Another 67, 68 and I’ll be in with a chance for Sunday.”

Italy’s Sophie Sandolo also had a mixed round with seven birdies and four bogeys but stayed in contention.

“I played really well but just had slippery hands on some shots”, said the 28-year-old who lives in Nice.

“Tomorrow is day is another day! Today’s finished so I’m going to enjoy my night and we’ll see what happens tomorrow.”

The cut fell at three over par.