Previous winners shine in Dubai
BY Bruce Young | European PGA Tour | 2009 Dubai Desert Classic | Round Two | 31 Jan 2009
Desert specialist and 2007 champion, Henrik Stenson, finds himself atop the leaderboard at the Dubai Desert Classic after his brilliant morning round of 65 took him one shot clear of Australian and previous winner Richard Green.
With nearly two thirds of the field still to complete their second rounds however, some of whom are still to even start round two, there is now a significant backlog. Tournament organisers will be hoping for the early morning fog which has plagued the event on the opening two days will not be a factor over the weekend although, even without it, third round play will not be completed until Sunday morning.
If Stenson’s round of 65 was impressive then the 63 by Green was even more so. Green won this title in 1997 and so nearly won again three years ago when he bogeyed the final hole and was passed by Tiger Woods and Ernie Els. Last week Green surprisingly missed the cut in Qatar but back on a golf course that holds such special memories for him he is in contention again. Green defeated Greg Norman and Ian Woosnam to win this event in just his second season in Europe.
Sergio Garcia, the world number two and the current leader in the season ending Race to Dubai rankings is just two shots further back and alone in third place.
Jeev Milkha Singh and first round leader Rory McIlroy are another shot back while amongst the group in a share of 6th are Robert Karlsson and Louis Oosthuizen.
The next best of the Australasians after Green is Scott Strange in 22nd position, although yet to start his second round, Mark Brown also yet to get on the golf course is in 36th position, Brett Rumford who has completed his 36 holes at 1 under and David Gleeson who has two holes to play but will not make the cut which at this stage appears to be around 1 under.
