Mena Tour: Allan opens a two-shot lead in Abu Dhabi Open

Abu Dahbi: England’s James Allan continued his brilliant run of form, shooting a five-under 67 on Tuesday to take a two-shot lead into the final round of the Abu Dhabi Open by Arena.

At Yas Links Abu Dhabi, the conditions were far easier in the second round than the first when players faced wind speed of up to 40-50 kmph. However, more challenging pin placements kept the scoring down, and Allan surged ahead with what eventually proved to be the joint-best round of the day.

England’s journeyman pro Matt Killen matched Allan’s 67 and moved to solo second place at nine-under par 135. Overnight leader, young Swede Niclas Wieland returned an even-par 72 card to slip down to tied third place at seven-under par along side England’s Benjamin David, the third player to shoot 67.

Allan, a two-time Mena Tour Amateur Order of Merit winner, is yet to win a recognised Tour event, and Wednesday would be a great opportunity to address that and give himself a perfect birthday gift.

“I started solid and that eagle on the seventh gave me a jumpstart. I had a few chances on the back nine but could not make any of them. The last four holes were playing really tough today, into the wind, so I was quite pleased with that effort,” he said.

“Tomorrow, I want to do the same things I did on the first two days. I am actually enjoying myself on this golf course. I just want to go out there and give my best and let’s see where that takes us.”