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
-
Ryder CupNew Ryder Cup captain Luke Donald motivated by ‘bitter’ memories of 2021 defeat
Stenson was stripped of the role for breaking his contract by joining the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder CupThe task facing Luke Donald after replacing Henrik Stenson
Stenson was appointed on March 15 and said he was fully committed to a role before signing with the Saudi-backed LIV Golf series.
-
Ryder CupLuke Donald named Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
Donald replaces Henrik Stenson after he was stripped of the role.
-
PGA TourTony Finau claims second straight PGA Tour victory
The American won the 3M Open in his previous outing.
-
NewsHenrik Stenson cushions Ryder Cup blow with £3.6m debut win in LIV Golf
The Swede was stripped of his role as Europe captain after joining the Saudi-backed breakaway tour.
-
NewsFormer Masters champion Bubba Watson becomes latest player to join LIV Golf
The left-hander is currently sidelined by a knee injury and is not expected to play until next season,
-
Ryder CupLuke Donald tipped to replace Henrik Stenson as Europe’s Ryder Cup captain
The Swede lost the job 127 days after his appointment following his decision to join the LIV Golf series.
-
NewsMax Homa: Tiger Woods now understands the respect he commands from his peers
Homa has made no secret of his admiration for Woods.
-
Ryder CupBernard Gallacher fears Greg Norman is not the man for compromise with LIV Golf
Players who have resigned from the PGA Tour to join LIV Golf will not be eligible for next year’s Ryder Cup.
-
LPGA TourBrooke Henderson takes two-shot lead into final round of Evian Championship
South Korea’s Ryu So-yeon climbed into outright second place on 15 under.