A fantastic weekend is in store at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
Among the contenders are a legend, an American star, a resurgent talent, the defending champion, and not far behind is the in-form Shane Lowry.
The Irishman ensured that a blip wouldn’t follow his great Abu Dhabi Championship last week with a first round 69. Today he followed up with a five under 67 to get to -8, four shots off the lead.
He bettered his front nine by two shots, birdieing the second and fourth holes and not dropping a shot – a difficult feat on the much more tricky outward section.
The only downside was a bogey on 12, but that was offset by shots gained at 11, 13, 16 and the par five 18th.
Unfortunately, it was a second missed cut in a row for Wicklow’s Paul Dunne.
Despite a solid 70 to begin the week, a 75 today saw Dunne miss the weekend by four shots. He endured a tough start that was compounded by a triple bogey 7 on the ninth hole. He recovered somewhat with a blemish-free back nine but was left with too much work to do to make the grade.
Leading on -12 are the duo of Australian Lucas Herbert and Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau shot a second consecutive 66, featuring an eagle on the tenth.
From the desert…
Into the top five.#ODDC19 pic.twitter.com/R2KGhIXENr
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 25, 2019
The eccentric American has been exemplary on the greens so far, standing him in good stead as he chases his first European Tour win.
Co-leader.#ODDC19 pic.twitter.com/yB0DxLfuZL
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 25, 2019
Threatening one shot further back are a compelling mix in Alvaro Quiros and Ernie Els.
When on form, Quiros’ driving is worth the price of admission alone, and the Spaniard fired in a 64 despite bogeying the opening hole. Four-time major winner Els is in contention once again having won this very event in 1994.
šļø 25 years after winning here…
Ernie moves with two shots of the #ODDC19 lead. pic.twitter.com/6mPgoI6OjG
— The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) January 25, 2019
Haotong Li stands a good chance of retaining his title, with a pair of 67s leaving him just two shots back of the leaders.
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