Dubai Basketball aims to unite the UAE under the banner of basketball, fostering inclusivity
Manuel Elvira and Rasmus Højgaard share the lead at the halfway stage of the Ras Al Khaimah Championship after a low-scoring day at Al Hamra Golf Club.
Elvira started the second round six strokes off the pace but carded eight birdies and an eagle to sign for a course record-equalling ten under par 62, setting the clubhouse target of 14 under par after 36-holes.
The Spaniard, who graduated from the European Challenge Tour after finishing third on last year’s Road to Mallorca Rankings, is looking to follow in older brother Nacho’s footsteps in becoming a DP World Tour winner.
Højgaard, who is aiming to emulate his twin brother Nicolai’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship victory in 2022, carded an eight under par 64 to move into a share of the lead in a bid for a fifth DP World Tour victory.
One stroke further back are Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen, who also equalled the course record with a ten under 62, and 18-hole leader Callum Shinkwin, of England, on 13 under par.
South Africa’s Zander Lombard is one stroke further back on 12 under after he carded a second successive round of 66 to move into fifth place.
Elvira said, “I got off to the dream start. I was six under through five, birdied the first three and then eagled the fourth and birdied the fifth. After that it was just a case of keep going. I kept giving myself chances and got a 62 at the end so very happy with it.
“Obviously playing Challenge Tour last year was a great experience and preparation for the main Tour. It is really competitive every week. I was lucky to be in contention a lot last year so I feel like am prepared to perform here so we will see what happens on the weekend.
“I try not to worry too much. I just want to go out there, have fun, enjoy it and keep the same strategy as the last couple of days.” Højgaard commented after his round,
“I think it was really good today. Started off with a bit of a bad tee shot on the second hole, but since then I hit decent drives off the tee and put myself in good positions. I rolled the putter very well today… again. I’m very happy with a 64.
“(Nicolai and I) do text a little bit. I did send him a “good job” text this morning when I saw that he will be going out in the final group tomorrow. He’s playing well and I’m playing well, it’s cool to follow each other’s different paths,” he added.
The leading UAE player is Joshua Grenville-Wood on nine under par after rounds of 67 and 68 in tied 13th place.
Leading Second Round Scores
(7,410 Yards, Par 72).
R. Hojgaard (Den) 66. 64. 130.
M. Elvira (Spain) 68. 62. 130.
T. Oleson (Den) 69. 62. 131.
C. Shinkwin (Eng) 62. 69. 131.
Z. Lombard (RSA) 66. 66. 132.
F. Zanotti (Par) 68. 65. 133.
Dubai Basketball aims to unite the UAE under the banner of basketball, fostering inclusivity
The event promises a thrilling conclusion to the season as teams clash in a unique knockout format, making every match crucial in the battle for golf’s biggest payday as The Challenge Tour is in Italy
Dynamic duo making waves in the UAE golf community with support for EGF Order of Merit events while balancing competition and social engagement
UAE women's cricket team turned their fortunes around with a memorable triumph in Namibia
Winners edge out Stuart Smith’s squad by a hair in a thrilling 21-team showdown at Yas Links Abu Dhabi as Jackson Bell wins Individual Title
Many City players, including Kevin De Bruyne, Manuel Akanji, and Bernardo Silva, have voiced concerns about the crammed calendar this season
Eleonora clinched the win at the Grand Prix Stuttgart & Region, with a decisive strong sprint
The F1 championship continues at the Singapore Grand Prix this weekend