Eddie Pepperell holds a one-stroke lead heading into the weekend at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic after following a 69 with a 67 on day two at Emirates Golf Club.
The Englishman leads on 8-under-par ahead of Swedish veteran Robert Karlsson, South Africa’s Dean Burmester and defending champion Bryson DeChambeau.
The World No.61 made seven birdies and two bogeys for his 5-under-par round and was delighted to find himself in this position but knows there’s still a long way to go towards claiming what would be a third European Tour title.
“It definitely was less breezy this morning than it was yesterday, which was nice, because this place is definitely playing tough,” said the Englishman. “It wasn’t easy, in spite of lack of breeze because you’ve got to hit fairways – it’s as simple as that. If you’re not hitting fairways this week bogeys are inevitable at some point.”
Burmester was involved in a minor car crash in a taxi earlier this week and despite a few bumps and bruises he finds himself in contention for what would be the biggest win of his career while DeChambeau (67) is looking to successfully defend a title for the first time in his career.
“My wedge game has been immaculate,” said the American. “And my putting has been for the most part a success and the iron play has kept me in the proper place. I hit a couple of nice drives today and I feel like I’m getting better with my driving, just got to iron out a couple of small things.”
China’s Ashun Wu and France’s Romain Langasque sit in a share of fifth place on 6-under-par while a group of four players on 5-under-par includes Germany’s Sebastian Heisele, a former member at Emirates Golf Club.
Former Race to Dubai winner Tommy Fleetwood bounced back from a 75 with a 65 to sit on 4-under-par heading into the weekend.
