Rai hits course record to surge clear in Hong Kong

HONG KONG: Aaron Rai fired a course-record nine-under 61 to surge into a four-shot lead after the second round of the Hong Kong Open.

The 23-year-old Englishman took full advantage of perfect scoring conditions for the early starters in Fanling, sinking six birdies in his first nine holes yesterday.

Three more birdies ensured he bettered the existing course record by two strokes to set the clubhouse target at 14-under heading into the weekend.

Several players struggled with cold and windy conditions as the day pro- gressed, but Rai, who led by as many as seven strokes when he walked off the course, was relieved to have signed for a second consecutive bogey-free round.

“We didn’t have much wind and, starting out pretty early the first nine holes, it feels like you’re playing a round at home, which is nice,” he told reporters at the first event on the 2019 European Tour calendar.

“But I played very well, kept it in play, had a lot of chances and made a lot of putts, too. Everything was on song today.” South Korea’s Park Hyo-won fired five birdies on the back nine to sign for a brilliant 62, one shot better than the previous course record, to sit second at 10-under overall.

Late starter Matthew Fitzpatrick matched Hyo-won’s 62 with a late birdie spree to storm into contention on eight-under for the tournament.

Tommy Fleetwood, the highest ranked player in the field, improved on his sluggish opening round with a 65 as the Briton climbed 18 spots up the leaderboard to sit tied for fifth.