Sun May 11 14:30:00 UTC 2025: **French Rookie Couvra Takes Two-Shot Lead at Turkish Airlines Open**

BELEK, TURKEY – Martin Couvra of France seized a two-shot lead at the Turkish Airlines Open, carding a bogey-free five-under 66 on Friday. The 22-year-old DP World Tour rookie, who graduated from the HotelPlanner Tour last season, now sits at 11-under par. This performance follows four previous top-ten finishes this season, including a fifth-place showing at the Hainan Classic.

Couvra’s round included a hat-trick of birdies from the seventh hole, culminating in a tap-in at the ninth after a spectacular approach shot. He added further birdies at the 12th and 18th. “I’m really happy about my game today – it’s always good to have a bogey-free round,” Couvra stated, adding that he plans to celebrate with friends and fellow French players, leaving golf talk for another day.

Chasing Couvra are Wilco Nienaber (at nine-under) and Li Haotong (at eight-under), who both shot impressive six-under rounds. Nienaber attributed his success to improved putting, while Li, a four-time DP World Tour winner, noted the improved greens compared to Thursday. He also discussed a recent confidence dip following tournaments in China, but expressed optimism for the weekend.

Overnight leaders Tiger Christensen and Robin Williams slipped to a four-way tie for fourth alongside Yannik Paul and Todd Clements after shooting 70. Christensen, who received a DP World Tour start, enjoyed the pressure of leading after the first round. The tournament continues into the weekend with Couvra favored to claim his first DP World Tour title.

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