Scotland’s Scott Henry climbed to the top of the leaderboard after following his opening 65 with a second round six-under par 66 at the Ras Al Khaimah Open by Arena.
The 32-year-old from Clydebank has his brother-in-law Christopher Walker on his bag in the MENA Tour by Arena event and he added seven birdies and an eagle to his seven-birdie round yesterday to take a one-shot lead at 13-under par over young Swede Niclas Weiland (67) and overnight leader Marco Iten (68) of Switzerland.
Chase
England’s Kyson Lloyd (65) sits in solo fourth place at 11-under par while Australia’s Daniel Gaunt (68), who is chasing South Africa’s MG Keyser in the Journey To Jordan rankings, moved into a share of fifth place at nine-under par alongside Sweden’s Gabriel Axell (68) at Tower Links Golf Club.
Superb Display
Henry, winner of the 2012 Kazakhstan Open on the European Challenge Tour, showed his class with a superb display from tee to green, especially on the front nine which included an eagle on hole 7.
“I was five-under par through seven holes and I think it was the best I could have played tee-to-green. The back nine was a bit up and down and I played some scrappy shots coming in. But a birdie on the last was a good way to finish and I am looking forward to the challenge tomorrow,” he said.
“I have my brother-in-law on my bag this week and we had great fun on the course. He caddies for my wife, Kylie, on the Ladies European Tour, so he knows his business and he helped me enjoy my round.”
Henry’s playing partner Weiland had an equally good start and was also five-under par through seven, but could not keep pace with Henry on the back nine and even though day one leader Iten carded four shots more on day two, he was happy with his 68.
Good Golf
“The only disappointment was a bogey on the 17th when I really wanted a birdie there and on the last. At least I got one on the 18th. I am playing good golf, so let’s wait and see what tomorrow brings,” said the Swiss.
Hole in One
Sweden’s Erik Lindwall made a hole-in-one on the par-3 eighth hole, hitting a perfect six-iron from 214 yards which helped him post a four-under par 68.
First Saudi Professional
The cut was applied at even-par and 48 professionals and nine amateurs made it to the final round. Among those going through was Othman Almullah (70), the first professional golfer from Saudi Arabia, who birdied his final three holes in fading light to finish on the number.
