Ahmad sizzles as UAE impress in Asia-Pacific Golf Championships

Dubai: Ahmad Al Musharrekh fired a sizzling four-under-par 68 to help the UAE team make what their coach Chris Vallendar described as their ‘best start ever in any international tournament' in the Asia-Pacific Golf Championships for the Nomura Cup in Fiji.

With the best three gross scores in a team of four players to count each day, the UAE were placed among the top 10 at two-over-par 218, eleven shots off the pace, after the first round played at the Denarau Golf Course.

Khalid Yousuf (74) and Abdullah Al Musharrekh (76) also contributed to the team's score while Saif Thabet, making his first appearance at an international tournament, signed off with a gross 92.

Early morning downpour left the course water-logged, forcing the organisers to suspend play for two-and-a-half hours. And when play eventually started at 11.30am local time, the players were not allowed to use carts and needed to carry their own bags to avoid any further damage to the course.

But Ahmad brilliantly defied the challenging conditions as he held his nerve to produce one of his best rounds that contained five birdies and a bogey. "Ahmad was just awesome," said Vallendar. "He played his round with the maturity of a seasoned golfer and if he can keep the momentum going, we can expect some very good results."

The coach added: "This was the best start we ever had in any international tournament.

"Khalid and Abdullah also played solid golf, with the latter striking the ball as well as anybody, but tentative putting prevented [him] from posting a good number. Khalid adapted brilliantly to the conditions and could have done even better if he had found rhythm in his swing."

It was a great learning experience for rookie Thabet of whom Vallendar said: "He struggled with his short game, but remained composed and focused. I am pleased with the way he hung in there for the team."

Favourites Australia led the field after the first round with a total of 207, just one ahead of India. New Zealand, another strong team, was placed third at 211.