Dubai: The UAE made a solid start to their GCC Championship campaign when they joined defending champions Bahrain at the top of the leaderboard after the first round at the Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club yesterday.
With swirling winds making life difficult for players, the UAE team held their nerve to shoot a combined gross score of 226, matching Bahrain's equally convincing efforts in all areas of the game.
Qatar headed the chasing pack on a team gross score of 240, followed by Saudi Arabia (253), Oman (262) and Kuwait (282).
UAE's ace golfer Ahmad Al Musharrakh led the home challenge, firing a sizzling one-under par 70. He was well supported by Khalid Yousuf, who chipped in with a 76, while Saeed Malek (80), who is making a comeback to the national team, also contributed to the team total.
According to the format of the championship, which is sponsored by Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club, the top three scores in each team of four count towards the team total.
Al Musharrakh's one under par score also put him in the joint lead in the individual championship, along with Bahrain's Nasser Yacoob Saleh, who also carded a 70. In fact, only these two players could manage to break par in the opening round.
"It was a good day at work, though I did miss out on some scoring opportunities," said Al Musharrakh. "The course was in great condition, but it was pretty windy out there and that took its toll on scoring.
"We are in a good position and can exploit the early advantage in the remaining two rounds. But in a team game like this one we need three good scores every day if we aim to win the championship," he said.
RESULTS
Team gross: 1. UAE 226, Bahrain 226, 3. Qatar 240, 4. Saudi Arabia 253, 5. Oman 262, 6. Kuwait 282.
Individual championship: 1. Ahmad Al Musharrakh (UAE) gross 70, Nasser Yacoob Saleh (Bahrain) 70, 3. Khalid Yousuf (UAE) 76, 4. Ali Saleh Ali (Bahrain) 77.
