Fast-finishing Coetzee grabs the lead in Qatar

Sport360 staff 10:12 23/01/2014
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  • Red hot: Coetzee was brilliant with his putter throughout his seven-under round.

    Steve Webster made a sensational start in the Qatar Masters with an albatross on his very first hole yesterday, but could not prevent South Africa’s George Coetzee from grabbing the top spot after a late run of birdies.

    Englishman Webster, who started on the par-five 10th, saw his fivewood approach from 254 yards disappear into the cup. That helped him finish the day at seven-under par 65 and in tied second place with Dawie van der Walt of South Africa, as 27-year-old Coetzee finished with three consecutive birdies to take a one-shot lead at eight-under 64.

    Coetzee needed just 21 putts in his round and the man chasing his maiden European Tour title said: “I was quite lucky to get away with some shots I hit, but put on another good putting display to finish on a nice number. There’s always a lot of luck involved in this game, especially the way I played.

    “I think I had 21 putts with a three-putt, so that goes to show that I can hit the ball a little bit better. I can’t wait for it all to click, because when I do, I might be unstoppable!”

    Webster’s was the first time at this level that anyone had shot an albatross on his opening hole.

    “I had 254 yards to the pin, wind slightly off the left. It was a 5-wood. Hit a great shot obviously straight at it,” said Webster. “Because I carry a big crowd behind me, there were about two people ahead at the green and one of them started jumping up and pointing down. Dream start.

    “I played great after that and was just really consistent and gave myself a lot of chances. I was probably a little disappointed with sevenunder to be honest. I should have finished probably nine or ten, but it’s a good start.”

    Spaniards Rafa Cabrera-Bello and Elviro Nacho shared fourth on 66 along with Frenchman Francois Calmels and England’s Ross Fisher.

    A group of six players, including John Daly, Ernie Els and India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar, were a further shot down on 67. Defending champion Wood had a forgettable first round as he shot a 73. 

    The 2006 champion and European No1 Henrik Stenson hit form with a 68 after missing the cut last week in Abu Dhabi.

    Scores (After first round, GBR & IRL unless stated, par 72):

    64 – George Coetzee (RSA)

    65 – Steve Webster, Dawie Van Der Walt (RSA)

    66 – Ross Fisher, Rafael Cabrera Bello, right (ESP), Francois Calmels (FRA ), Nacho Elvira (ESP)

    67 – John Daly (USA), Thomas Aiken (RSA), Ernie Els (RSA), Paul Lawrie, Branden Grace (RSA), Gaganjeet Bhullar (IND)

    68 – Shiv Kapur (IND), Mikko Ilonen (FIN), Tom Lewis, Matthew Baldwin, Simon Dyson, Seve Benson, James Morrison, Thongchai Jaidee (THA), Thorbjorn Olesen (DEN), Alejandro Canizares (ESP), Henrik Stenson (SWE), Michael Hoey

    69 – Richard Bland, John Parry, Magnus A Carlsson (SWE), Kristoffer Broberg (SWE), Marcel Siem (GER), Darren Fichardt (RSA), Johan Carlsson (SWE), Alvaro Quiros, right (ESP), Tyrrell Hatton, Jose-Maria Olazabal (ESP), Peter Hanson (SWE), Stephen Gallacher, Fabrizio Zanotti (PAR ), Eddie Pepperell, Christopher Doak

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