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Nuria Iturrioz leads the LET's Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open by two shots from Scotland's Kelsey Macdonald after play was suspended in the second round.
Three-time Ladies European Tour winner Nuria Iturrioz posted a two-under 70 to lead by two at the Andalucia Costa Del Sol Open in Marbella.
With half of the field still to complete their second round when play was suspended, home-favourite Itturioz took advantage of the dry conditions to reach eight-under and lead second-placed Scot Kelsey Macdonald.
Chasing her first title since the 2019 OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic, the 25-year-old Iturrioz began her round with a trio of consecutive birdies from the 10th, only to stumble with bogeys on No. 4 and 8.
Looking to become only the second Spanish player in history to win the prestigious tournament, Iturrioz got back to work on the front nine (her back nine), coming home in 34 to assume the halfway lead.
"I feel like I have been playing for four days now. I hit a lot of good shots today and made a few putts, I am happy.
"It would mean a lot for me to win but there is a lot of golf still to play and still the weekend. I hope I can have the trophy on Sunday, but you never know."
Paired together with the current Race to Costa del Sol leader and four-time winner in 2020, Emily Kristine Pedersen, Iturrioz watched as the Dane struggled to find her best form but maintained pace with a one-under-par round of 71.
Finishing in style with a birdie on the 18th to be three behind the leader, the 24-year-old dialled in a 'three-quarter nine-iron to 5ft' before rolling home for a successful day's work.
With Kelsey Macdonald and Sanna Nuutinen unable to complete their second round, the Dane will have to wait until tomorrow before she learns whether they are paired together in the final group on Saturday.
Sandwiched in between Iturrioz and Pedersen is Macdonald.
The 30-year-old still has as many as 11 holes to play tomorrow morning but ended her round in style, holing out from 111 yards for eagle on the par five 7th hole, moments before the horn sounded.
"I hit a seven-iron to leave my favourite number which is 111 and hit my 50 degree wedge, it was playing long and cold out there this afternoon so it was great to get that shot in before sleeping tonight. I'm looking forward to tomorrow already."
