Rayhan equals world record, Azzan misses the cut in Dubai
An incredible run nine of birdies, ignited Rayhan Thomas’ challenge of winning back-to-back titles as he ended the penultimate day at 12-under, just two shots behind Keyser
DUBAI: Darren Clarke described young Rayhan Thomas “a huge talent” after the MENA Tour prodigy fired a magical 10-under 61 highlighted by world record-equalling nine birdies in a row in a stunning display of golf in the second round of the Dubai Creek Open on Tuesday.
That incredible run of birdies, starting from the second, ignited his challenge of winning back-toback titles as he ended the penultimate day at 12-under, just two shots behind MG Keyser, who followed his record-breaking 61 with a 68 to keep his nose in front. England’s Robert Harrhy occupied solo third on nine under, a good three shots clear of Peter Stojanovski of Australia and Todd Clements of England as 2016 European Ryder Cup captain Clarke moved into a four-way tie for sixth on five-under after a second-round 69.
Oman’s top amateur Azzan Al Rumhy, meanwhile, missed the cut after a 5-over 76 in the second round. The Omani, who carded a 6-over 77 in the first round, had a disappointing start on Tuesday with a double bogie in the first hole. Though he had par scores in the next four, another bogie on the sixth and three more on back nine, including the final hole, spoiled his day.
Azzan ended his outing with a total score of 11-over 153, finishing joint 92 with three others.
Clinical performance
Supremely accurate off the tee and clinical with the putter, Thomas hardly put a foot a wrong on his home course as he strung together a dream round to match the world record for most consecutive birdies in an Official World Golf Ranking event made by American Mark Calcavecchia at the 2009 RBC Canadian Open.
Austria’s Bernd Wiesberger also fired nine consecutive birdies in the second round of the 2017 Maybank Championship in Malaysia, but it was not recognized as preferred lies were in force at Saujana Golf and Country.
Thomas’ flawless round, which also equalled the Dubai Creek course record set 24 hours ago by Keyser, had a special ring to it as it was achieved in the company of none other than 2011 Open champion Clarke, who is also the MENA Tour patron.
“Rayhan is a huge talent, obviously. He played beautifully, hit the ball very close and putted nicely. The way he was playing, this is the worse he could have shot,” said Clarke.