A stunning 218-yard approach shot for an albatross propelled Aaron Rai into a share of the 36-hole lead with two-time champion Tommy Fleetwood at Yas Links.
ABU DHABI – A moment of golfing magic from Aaron Rai, who holed out for a spectacular albatross, created a thrilling tie at the top with fellow Englishman Tommy Fleetwood after the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship on Friday.
Rai, who started the day two shots back, achieved one of the sport’s rarest feats on the par-5 2nd hole at Yas Links. His 218-yard approach shot landed on the green and rolled directly into the cup, catapulting him up the leaderboard.
“The wind was a little bit down off the left and that green was so fast,” Rai described after his 8-under 64. “It finished around the front edge and chased its way down there. You couldn’t see it from the back of the fairway, so it was a nice surprise.”
The extraordinary shot helped Rai reach a 14-under total of 130, matching the pace set by Fleetwood. The two-time event champion carded a 66, building on his opening-round 64.
“Really good day. I got off to like the perfect start. Birdie, birdie, birdie,” said Fleetwood, emphasizing the importance of following a low round with another strong performance. “I just did a really good job… I felt like we did a great job of controlling the ball.”
The leading duo holds a two-shot advantage over a chasing pack that includes England’s Andy Sullivan (67), Denmark’s Nicolai Hojgaard (67), and South Africa’s Richard Sterne (68).
Meanwhile, world No. 2 Rory McIlroy sits tied for 20th place at 8-under par after posting consecutive rounds of 68.
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