Dubai: Ivan Fornazaric played a stunning round of golf to take a 5-shot lead into the second round of the Engineer's Cup.
In perfect weather conditions but having to tackle the Majlis Course at its full length, from the Black championship tees, 70 members vied for the honours in one of the annual Emirates Golf Club 'majors'.
Fornazaric, always a consistent performer, stormed out of the blocks, registering 17 stableford points in the first 7 holes and 20 on the front-9.
He continued his form on the inward nine as he came home with 41 points and a healthy lead to take into round 2.
A host of formidable players will be looking for an opportunity in the second round and leading the way will be current Club Senior Champion, Lou Elliott who recorded a solid round of 36 that included an outstanding level par back-9.
Young Eric Hesson continued the form he has shown in this event over the past few years and also scored 36 while Malcolm Wood and Jim Boocher find themselves in the mix today thanks to their scores of 36.
All five will be looking over their shoulder at a chasing pack that includes some unknown quantities in Simon Bird, D.Y. Yoon, Glyn Sowerby, Gerry Feerick, Micky Brigg, Sean Thornberry and Andy Hendry, who all scored 35 and will fancy their chances should the leaders falter.
Notable scores: David Wall (33), Jae Jun Hong (33), Charlie Stricklin (32), Mick Brett (30), Peter Skerrow (30).
