Staff WriterOliver Gillberg and Luis Masaveu share a one-stroke lead heading into the weekend of the Challenge de España.
At Fontanals Golf Club, these two rising stars sit atop the leaderboard at 11 under par, setting the stage for a thrilling Saturday showdown at the Challenge de España.
From the first tee, Gillberg caught fire. The Swede carded a blistering five-under-par 66 on day two, punctuated by birdies on four of his opening five holes.
By the turn, he’d added gains at the ninth and 12th, and despite a lone bogey on the reachable par-five 13th, he’s more than ready to hunt his maiden HotelPlanner Tour title.
“I realised yesterday just how much I miss competing because it’s been a while, so I’m just happy that the game felt good and I felt the joy of competing again,” he said.
“I was out in the first group this morning when it was cold and rainy, but I got off to a pretty hot start which was nice. I shot level par on the back nine so slowed down a bit but I’m very happy.
I feel prepared for the season and this weekend. I played nine events last year on the HotelPlanner Tour, with quite a few of those being invites, so I’ve come into this year with quite a lot of experience.”
That “experience” showed early, and Gillberg’s blend of steady iron play and confident putting has given him a spring in his swing—and a spring in his step as he chases glory at the Challenge de España.
Not to be outdone, Spain’s own Luis Masaveu opened with a perfectly timed 67. Beginning on the 10th, he rattled off three birdies against a single blemish to turn in two under, then closed with gains at the second and ninth. Now level with Gillberg, the local favourite can taste victory on home soil.
“When you’re in contention, that’s why you practice and that’s why I play golf, so I’m looking forward to it,” Masaveu admitted.
“It was definitely a grind today. I just tried to keep hitting the best shots I could. My last six holes I didn’t play too well but I stuck to it and I’m happy with the way I finished. I’ve been playing very aggressively, and I think I need to do the same these next two days to be able to win. I’m super excited.”
Hot on their heels at 10 under par are overnight leader Victor Sidal Svendsen of Denmark, France’s Clément Charmasson and Scotland’s Euan Walker, all three sharing third.
A shot further back at nine under sits Road to Mallorca Number Three, Joshua Berry, while a quartet—including Javier Sainz, Jens Kristian Thysted, Lauri Ruuska and Tom Shadbolt—occupies seventh.
What to watch on Saturday at the Challenge de España:
- Key tee times: Gillberg, Masaveu and Svendsen tee off together at 11:00 am local time, promising fireworks through Fontanals’ undulating fairways.
- Weather forecast: Cooler temperatures and a breeze could soften the greens, but rain remains a wildcard.
- Local interest: Masaveu’s charge in front of a home crowd adds an extra layer of drama.
With three rounds down and three to go, the Challenge de España is delivering on every promise of drama and finesse.
Whether it’s the silky Swede looking for breakthrough glory or the tenacious Spaniard chasing national pride, Saturday’s third round—starting at 9:00 am—could define their seasons.
One thing’s for sure: if you’re tuning in, keep an eye on the names atop that leaderboard, because this one’s far from over.
