Cabrera-Bello leads Desert Classic
Rafa Cabrera-Bello birdied the final hole to take a one stroke lead after the second round of the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.
The Dubai Golf Club was baked in sunshine as the Spaniard carded a five under 67 on Friday, leaving him on ten under for the tournament.
Cabrera-Bello was two under after the opening three holes before a bogey on the sixth set him back. Three more gains saw him draw level with clubhouse leaders Ernie Els, Trevor Fischer Jr and Danny Willett on nine under.
The 31-year-old was in trouble off the tee on the 18, but laid up with a beautiful recovery shot. After leaving himself a 12 footer for a birdie, he drained the putt to snatch the lead.
Three time winner Els impressed earlier in the day, with a superb second into the 18th that set him eagle chance, which he took.
Two shots back on eight under are England's Chris Wood and Andy Sullivan, who are joined by Joost Luiten and Thorbjorn Olesen.
World number two Rory McIlroy failed to kick on from his opening round of 68 to card an even par 72, leaving him five shots off the pace.
Latest
-
NewsMartin Kaymer among frontrunners as Alejandro Canizares sets Austria pace
Former world number one Kaymer shot a 68, leaving him one shot behind Canizares.
-
NewsDustin Johnson bidding to hit back from disappointing Masters defence
Johnson had to hand back his green jacket and hang around to present new champion Hideki Matsuyama with his.
-
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama hopes Masters victory can inspire youngsters back home in Japan
Matsuyama became the first Japanese male to win a major at Augusta.
-
NewsJustin Rose relishing packed major schedule after taking positives from Masters
Rose signed for a closing 74 which included a birdie on the 18th.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama hopes Masters win ‘opens the floodgates’ for Japan
Historic win was seen around the world.
-
NewsJon Rahm ready for baby duties after finishing with a flourish
The new father was left wondering might have been at Augusta on Sunday.
-
NewsMasters day four: Hideki Matsuyama makes history for Japan
Matsuyama became his country’s first male major winner while new dad Jon Rahm produced the round of the day.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama survives nervy final round to win Masters green jacket
A one-shot win over Will Zalatoris made Matsuyama the first Japanese winner of a men’s major.
-
NewsHideki Matsuyama remains on course for maiden major title at Augusta
Matsuyama steadied the ship after a shaky start to his closing round.