Rami Samawi & Intissar Rich continue to lead Al Ain

Sport - Golf - Intissar Rich — Second round leader of the ladies' division of the 54-hole EGF Order of Merit Championship, Intissar Rich Image Credit: Supplied

Rami Samawi (The Els Club) and Intissar Rich (EGF) both enhanced their leads in their respective Divisions in the second round of the 54-hole three-day EGF Order of Merit Championship strokeplay tournament, that is an R&A supported World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) qualifying event at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.

16 year-old Rami, followed up his first round 68 with a level par 70 to extend his lead to seven shots. Rami had two nines of 35 in the second round, including five birdies as well as five bogeys and the rest all pars. In second place is Marcus Dutton (Jumeirah Golf Estates) with a second round one over par 71, with four birdies on the card to follow his first round of 74.

In the Ladies Division: 23 year-old Rich, repeated her first round score with another 72 to hold a two stroke lead from Anca Mateiu (Montgomerie Golf Club) with rounds of 74 and 72.

Rich had three birdies in round two, one more than in round one. Once again, she fell tripped up on the 10th hole for her second successive double bogey seven on the par five hole.

The Junior Division played over 36-holes, saw 15 year-old Aayan Dadabhoy (JGE) and 17 year-old Rayan Ahmed (Montgomerie Golf Club) tied on four over par 74, with the final round tomorrow (Sunday).

At the conclusion of round two, Cameron Van Rooyen, UAE National Coach based in Abu Dhabi commented, ‘It was another warm and windy day in Al Ain today that provided a genuine challenge for all players. Mindful of the extended length, after consultation with the club and Tournament Committee the ladies’ tournament yardage was moved forward 200 yards for a day two yardage of 6,000 yards. We have witnessed some excellent golf over the first two days. Three rounds of golf will see us crowning the best players in the Men’s and Ladies’ Divisions, who will receive the trophies after tomorrow’s final round along with the 36-hole Junior winners. We thank all the players who have qualified through the respective EGF Order of Merit events for supporting this season ending event as well as their parents for their essential encouragement.’

Leading Round Two Scores (Par 70)

Men’s Division

R. Samawi (The Els Club) 68. 70. 138

M. Dutton (Jumeirah Golf Estates) 74. 71. 145

J. Selvaraj (Trump International GC) 70. 77. 147

D. Morton (Trump International GC) 72. 77. 149

A. Larsson (The Els Club) 76. 74. 150

Ladies Division

I. Rich (Emirates Golf Federation) 72. 72. 144

A. Mateiu (Montgomerie Golf Club) 74. 72. 146

L. El Chaib (Abu Dhabi Golf Club) 73. 73. 146

H. Alan (Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club) 75. 75. 150