Young prodigy James Allan turned in a second-round 66 to move to within striking distance of a title shot, heading into the final round of the MENA Golf Tour Championship, which will feature an intriguing showdown among frontrunners.
England’s Allan, who is bidding to become the first amateur to win a MENA Golf Tour event, mixed four birdies and an eagle with a lone bogey to reach nine under for the tournament, four behind his compatriot Scott Campbell, who shot the day’s best score, a seven-under 64, to top the leaderboard.
Craig Hinton fired back-to-back 65s to sit in solo second at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club, two clear of fellow Englishman Stuart Archibald, who carded a 66 for the second day in a row, raising the prospects of a thrilling finish to the season-ending event which is presented by the Abu Dhabi Sports Council.
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“I played very good golf again, which felt nice,” said Campbell referring to his bogey-round round. “I holed many good putts out there, especially the one on the ninth from 35 feet was quite pleasing.
“I drove the ball well and my irons were spot on. I think every part of my game fell into place,” said the 24-year-old from Sheffield.
Allan, who had been sharp all day long, was equally pleased with his efforts. “I played solid golf and made some nice putts coming home. I was off a great start, going five under after six holes which kind of set the tone.
“My game is in good shape. I’ve got to keep doing the same things I’m doing and see where that leaves me,” said the 21-year-old, who has strung together an impressive streak on the Tour this season, including a second at the Ascorp Abu Dhabi Golf Citizen Open.
Looks like Hinton is the man to beat as the Englishman stayed firmly in control of the proceedings. After making the turn at two-under, Hinton picked up four more shots on the back nine to keep alive his hopes of winning his maiden title on the tour.
On moving day, as the penultimate round in a golf tournament is generally referred to, South Africa’s Tyler matched the day’s best score to join overnight leader Cyril Suk of the Czech Republic in a two-way for fifth at seven-under.
A two shots in front at the start of the day, Suk returned a one-over par 72, leaving himself with some work to do on the final day. “I just played terrible golf. Simple as that,” said Suk.
@MENAGolfTour know how to host a Tour Championship… no entry fee, prize fund of $75,000 and a top conditioned venue like Al Ain!
— Stuart Archibald (@stuartarchibald) November 9, 2015
Morocco’s Younes El Hassani backed up his opening 69 with a 70 to hold on to his overnight lead in the MENA Division at three-under, three clear of his compatriots Amine Joudar and Ahmed Marjan.
It was Joudar, who stole the limelight, shooting a 66, improving on his first round by10 shots, to haul himself back into contention. Bolstered by an eagle on the third, Joudar was off to a great start, playing the first four holes at five under.
“I could have done even better, but missed at least four to five birdie putts from close range,” said the number one Moroccan golfer.
