Paul Waring Establishes Dominant Lead in Abu Dhabi Championship

Paul Waring delivered an exceptional performance during the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship, achieving a career-low score of 11-under 61. This remarkable round allowed him to finish with a total of 19-under par after two rounds, setting a new record for the lowest 36-hole score to par in European tour history. The tournament took place at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, on a Friday when Waring began the day already in a strong position following his first-round score of 64. Waring's performance was characterized by nine birdies and an eagle, all recorded during a bogey-free round. His impressive shot on the 18th hole involved a draw with a 3-wood that landed within four feet of the hole, resulting in a final birdie for the day. With this achievement, he generated significant confidence, acknowledging that although he held a nice lead, the competition was still fierce. The closest competitors at the end of the second round included Tommy Fleetwood, Johannes Veerman, Niklas Norgaard, and Thorbjorn Olesen, all of whom were tied at 14-under par. They are expected to make strong bids for the lead, especially with many holes still featuring opportunities for birdies. Rory McIlroy, although struggling at nine strokes behind, remained optimistic about his chances as he felt the course could become more challenging. Overall, Waring's performance has set a thrilling tone for the weekend, and all eyes will be on whether he can maintain his lead against a determined field eager to capitalize on any mistakes.