Al Mazroui leads by three at half-way stage

Dubai: Faris Al Mazroui produced solid golf to seize the early momentum in the UAE National Championship at Jumeirah Golf Estates yesterday.

The talented youngster from Abu Dhabi carded a gross 73 around the Fire course to establish a three-shot lead over Abdullah Al Musharrakh going into the second and final rounds.

Khalid Yousuf, a three-time winner of the prestigious event, and Hassan Al Musharrakh, who was recently crowned Junior Arab Champion, were tied for third on a gross 80.

But it was Al Mazroui who held centre-stage with an inspired performance on a windy day. Playing a consistent tee-to-green game, he strung together a mature round.

"The intention was to keep the ball in play which somehow I managed to," he said. "I am pleased with my overall efforts."

Leading scores:

1. Faris Al Mazroui gross 73

2. Abdullah A Musharrakh gross 76

T-3. Khalid Yousuf and Hassan Al Musharrakh gross 80