Guerrier sizzles with classy show on opening morning

Abu Dhabi: There is a total of $2 million on offer here but for youngster Julien Guerrier it is only the learning experience of playing with the stars that he is likely to gain.

The 21-year-old is an amateur and got invited for this European Tour event but the Frenchman sizzled on the opening morning with some classy golf.

At one stage he was leading with six under after 15 holes but soon realised what separated the boys from the men.

"It was great to measure my game with the top professionals. They are better on the short game, which is where it is decided if you win or not," said Guerrier who turns 22 on July 1.

Unfortunately for the promising youngster, he could not finish his round the way he started it. Starting with two successive birdies, Guerrier finished the back nine with another.

Three more birdies in the next five holes and the Frenchman looked likely to cause a major flutter. However, he ended with two bogeys and undid his good work but did manage to finish on 68.

"I am upset about my finish but it is a great experience for me," he said.