Rayan Ahmed celebrates turning 18 by turning up the heat at US Kids UAE Championship

Fresh off his birthday, the teenager delivers consistency to lead the Boys 15-18 Elite Division, while Russia's Ailsa Molokanova dominates the Girls 15-18 field

By Leslie Wilson Jr.

Published: Thu 19 Dec 2024, 12:36 AM

Rayan Ahmed, representing the UAE, celebrated his 18th birthday in style by delivering a composed second-round 71 at the US Kids UAE Championship Al Hamra Golf Club, Ras Al Khaimah.

Adding to his solid opening round of 70, Rayan’s 36-hole total of 141, three under par, has earned him a one-shot lead in the highly competitive Boys 15-18 Elite Division heading into the final round.

This prestigious tournament, sanctioned by the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF), features 14 age-based divisions.

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The 54-hole Elite Division for Boys and Girls aged 13-18 is recognized as a World Amateur Golf Rankings (WAGR) qualifier, supported by The R&A.

Speaking to Khaleej Times after his round, Rayan reflected on his performance.

“I’m pleased with my game over the first two days. In round one, I hit 17 greens in regulation, and I believe it was 16 today—though I still need to calculate all my stats," he said.

"My driving was solid, but I faced trouble on the third hole, going into the water twice, though I managed to recover with a bogey six. The three birdies on my card were encouraging.”

Despite missing some birdie opportunities, Rayan remained optimistic, saying, “I gave myself plenty of chances over the last two rounds, but that’s golf. I made a lot of pars and couldn’t have shot much worse. This gives me confidence heading into Thursday's final round.”

In the Girls 15-18 Division, Ailsa Molokanova of the Russian Golf Federation holds a commanding four-shot lead after rounds of 74 and 77.

Meanwhile, in the Girls 13-14 Division, Ananyaa Sood of The Els Club posted rounds of 79 and 75, securing a three-shot lead with a 36-hole total of 154.

The final day promises an exciting showdown, with the leaders in each division teeing off last. In the Boys 15-18 Division,

Rayan Ahmed will be joined by Aayan Dadabhoy (JGE) and Italy’s Matteo Sasdelli for a 7:50 AM start at Al Hamra Golf Club in Ras Al Khaimah.

Round Two Scores (Par 72)

Boys 15-18

Ahmed (EGF) 70. 71. 141.

Dadabhoy (JGE) 67. 75. 142.

G. Sasdelli (Italy) 71. 74. 145.

Girls 15-18

Molokanova (Russian Golf Fed’n) 74. 77. 151.

Singhania (Ind) 77.78. 155.

Girls 13-14

Sood (The Els Club) 79. 75. 154.