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Doha
The 36th Qatar Open Golf Amateur Championship teed off at the Doha Golf Club on Thursday with Saleh Ali Al Kaabi scoring two-under-par 70 to take lead on opening day of the three-day tournament.
Saudi Arabia’s golfer Faisal Al Salhab, who won individual title in Cairo, finished third carding 72.
Making the most of the conditions, however, was Qatar’s Al Kaabi as he secured a one shot lead over Saudi Arabia’s Saud Al Sharif (71).
Al Kaabi was silver medallist at the Arab Golf Championship in Cairo last month.
He expressed satisfaction at his showing on the opening day of the Qatar Open and hopes to continue in the same vein in the remaining rounds. “It’s a very good start for me and I am happy with a two-under-par in the first round,” the 27-year-old said.
“I am looking for a repeat of my performance in the second round to go into the final round with a good position. My recent participation in international events including the Arab Championship has given me a lot of experience and confidence. I hope I will be able to win this competition which I love but I have to show a consistent performance in the next rounds,” he added.
Al Kaabi enjoyed the conditions. “I hope we will get the same conditions during the remaining rounds,” he said.
Meanwhile, defending champion Ali Al Shahrani finished the opening day with a joint fourth position after a score of two-over-par 74. The Qatari golfer was joined by six other golfers.
Al Shahrani, who is the first Qatari golfer in 35 years to have won the Qatar Open, last year, said a cold weather early morning affected his performance but he hoped to bounce back. “It’s just the first round and I am looking forward to a fightback to defend my title. The second round is important and I am hoping for a better performance. “I hope a Qatari golfer wins this tournament for a second time in a row,” he said.
Al Shahrani also commended the organisers for holding the event with all the COVID-19 protocols in place. “I would like to salute the federation officials for their commitment in holding the tournament and providing the golfers with necessary health atmosphere. The tournament has great value for us and we always strive to compete in this event,” he stressed.
A total of 118 golfers are taking part in the event which is considered as one of the oldest sports events in the country. The winner of the tournament qualifies to play in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which is a part of the European Tour.
Leading Scores: 70: Saleh Ali Al Kaabi; 71: Saud Al Sharif; 72: Faisal Al Salhab; 74: Ali Al Shahrani, Mike Elliott, Magnus Stjarnesund, Mikkel Mathiesen, Azzan Al Rumhu, Harvey Byers, Jamie Gregory; 75: Jeff Mathews.
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21/01/2022
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