Dubai: Defending champion Michael Harradine and Greig Marchbank matched the day's best score to share the lead going into the final round of the Shaikh Rashid Trophy, organised by the Emirates Golf Federation.
Starting yesterday's second round at the Els Club three shots off the pace, Harradine strung together a solid 70 to join Scotland's Marchbank on top at one-under 143 going into today's decisive 18 holes at the Jebel Ali Golf Resort and Spa.
Overnight leader Daniel Hendry carded a two-over-par 74 to slip into second, two shots ahead of Cullum Mills.
On a day when most players struggled to hole their putts on fast greens Harradine made a tremendous start to his round, going four under after ten holes before dropping shots on the 13th and 15th.
Wide open
"I had chances to putt a good number, but those dropped shots on the back nine didn't help," said Harradine. "The tournament is still wide open and anyone among the top five or six can walk away with the trophy."
Marchbank, who is representing the Scottish Golf Union, followed his opening 73 with a 70 to stay in contention for the title. "I am really enjoying playing here," he said.
Emirates Golf Federation's Order of Merit champion Miki Mirza signed off with a 75 to join Craig Forest in a tie for fifth at 148. Faris Al Mazroui, who carded a 74, remained the top UAE national in the field after Ahmad Al Musharrakh (79), his elder brother Abdullah (75) and Khalid Yousuf (82) failed to make expected charges in the second round.
Elsewhere, Sidney D'Souza fired a career-best 73 to move up the leaderboard.
"I could have gone even lower but I three-putted on four holes and that was quite frustrating," he said. "Anyway, it's nice to have a 73 under my belt."
The cut was made at 19-over-par 163, with the top 30 and ties making it to the final round, which will be played at Jebel Ali, also the main sponsor of the 54-hole event. The event is also supported by Gulf News and Ernst and Young.
Leading scores after the second round played at The Els Club:
143 - Michael Harradine 73 70; Greig Marchbank 73 70
144 - Daniel Hendry 70 74
146 - Cullum Mills 74 72
148 - Craig Forest 75 73, Miki Mirza 73 75
150 - Faris Al Mazroui 76 74, Paul King 75 75, Dino Varkey 72 78
151 - John Mills 74 77
152 - Sidney D'Souza 79 73, Brian McCarthy 77 75
