Robin Sciot-Siegrist holds a narrow one-shot lead heading into the weekend at the Abu Dhabi Challenge, after carding a blemish-free second-round 66 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club. The Frenchman’s composed performance took him to 11 under par for the tournament, just ahead of Spain’s Sebastian Garcia (10 under) and defending champion Garrick Porteous (9 under).
After a steady start with six straight pars, Sciot-Siegrist found his rhythm around the turn, picking up three birdies before adding two more at the 14th and 16th. “There’s still two more days and a lot of golf to come. We’ll see what happens at the end,” said the 30-year-old. “I’ve been playing well. I made a lot of putts yesterday; it was a great round today.”
The Frenchman was particularly pleased to have navigated the firm greens and gusting winds without dropping a shot. “I have to say, with the conditions, I am very happy with no bogeys today,” he added. “The pins are hard, the greens are getting firmer, and a couple of shots were quite difficult with the wind blowing.”
Porteous Finding Form
Garrick Porteous, who triumphed here in 2023, admitted he arrived this week with low expectations following his decision to step away from full-time professional golf at the end of last season. The 35-year-old, now based in Dubai, is competing in his first HotelPlanner Tour event since October, having kept his game ticking over with a handful of starts on the Emirates PGA circuit.
But any rust was hard to spot as the Englishman followed an opening 67 with a superb six-under 64 on Friday, firing seven birdies against a single bogey to climb within two shots of the lead. “I have surprised myself a little bit,” he said. “I had one swing thought coming into the week, and it’s worked so far. Let’s hope it continues for the weekend.”
Reflecting on the test at hand, Porteous added: “It’s a lot tougher out there compared to last year. The greens are firm, the rough is up, and you get some awkward lies. Plus, it’s been a bit windy the last two afternoons. It’s been a good challenge.”
A Strong Field and Free Entry for Fans
Sebastian Garcia surged into solo second with a strong finish, closing his round with three birdies in a row to sit just one behind the leader. The Spaniard will be eyeing his first win on Tour, while a host of other players remain in the mix as the weekend approaches.
