Henrik Stenson’s form showed no sign of relenting as the Swede, hoping to create history by becoming the first player to win the FedEx Cup on the PGA Tour and Race to Dubai crown on the European Tour, took a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the US$8 million DP World Tour Championship.
At the Earth course of Jumeirah Golf Estates, Stenson never looked in any trouble as he put together a stunning, bogey-free round of eight-under-par 64 — the joint best round of the day.
That gave the 37-year-old a two-day tally of 12-under par 132, one better than overnight leader, Spain’s Alezandro Canizares, who added a bogey-free 67 to his overnight 66.
Last week’s Turkish Open champion, France’s Victor Dubuisson, moved into contention again with a 66 that took him to tied third place at eight-under par 136 alongside Marcus Fraser (69).
Among those who can deny Stenson the honor of becoming the European No. 1 by winning this week, No. 2 in the Race to Dubai standings, Justin Rose (67), and No. 4 Ian Poulter (68) were tied for fourth place at seven-under-par 137 alongside Thai Kiradech Aphibarnrat (70).
No. 3 Graeme McDowell started the day with a bogey, but then regrouped with five birdies to finish with a four-under par 68 round.
Soccer officials yesterday offered “full support and assistance” to the Iranian team in Australia for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup after the US and Israel launched massive attacks on their homeland. Iran’s 26-strong squad arrived on the Gold Coast days before the strikes on Saturday killed supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as Washington and Tel Aviv seek to topple the Islamic republic. They are due to open their tournament today against South Korea. The AFC in a statement said it “continues to closely monitor the recent developments in the Middle East during this challenging period.” “The AFC’s foremost priority remains the welfare, safety and
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