Tommy Fleetwood and fellow Englishman Aaron Rai are tied for the lead at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, opening up a two-shot advantage over their nearest rivals at Yas Links.
Fleetwood, a two-time winner of the event in 2017 and 2018, began the day in a five-way tie for the lead. Early starter Nacho Elvira surged with three front-nine birdies, briefly pushing Fleetwood into the chasing pack. But the Ryder Cup star quickly regained momentum, birdying the first three holes of his round to seize a share of the lead.
The reigning FedExCup champion finished with a flawless round of 66, tallying seven birdies and just a single bogey on the 15th hole.
Really good day. I got off to like the perfect start. Birdie, birdie, birdie. That was good, especially when you've had a good round the day before. They always say it's hard to follow up a good round with another good one, or a low one with another one.
Fleetwood added: “Starting good was really important. I just did a really good job — I hit a lot of good shots but a few times today where I drove it into the rough and we read the lies really well. I felt like I putted solid again. 6-under was a very good score.”
Rai’s Albatross Steals the Spotlight
Joining Fleetwood at 14 under par was Aaron Rai, the World Number 30 and fellow Rolex Series winner. Rai produced a flawless 64, highlighted by a spectacular albatross at the par-five second hole. From 218 yards, he holed his approach with a six-iron, one of the rarest feats in professional golf.
Any time you hit close to 18 greens, you've had a good day out there, let alone 18. The course is in incredible condition. If you hit a lot of fairways, it certainly gives you control. The green complexes are fantastic out here, as well, with being able to use the slopes, change your flights, change your shapes. It's a pleasure being out here and nice to play well, as well.
Rai continued his impressive round with a near-30-foot birdie at the sixth, followed by further gains at the seventh, 11th, 17th, and 18th holes to match Fleetwood atop the leaderboard.
Competition Heating Up
The English pair hold a two-shot cushion over Andy Sullivan, Nicolai Højgaard, and Richard Sterne, while 2019 champion Shane Lowry trails by three strokes.
