Donaldson stays ahead

JAMIE Donaldson signed for a three under 69 to maintain his one-shot lead and set the clubhouse target at 13 under par on a fog-delayed Friday at the Omega Dubai Desert Classic.

The Welshman fired a blistering 62 on day one and while he could not quite hit those heights again at Emirates Golf Club, he continues to lead a field that has just 11 players over par.

China’s Li Haotong heads up the chasing pack at 12 under par after consecutive rounds of 66. South African Branden Grace is one shot further back alongside Alexander Björk of Sweden, who is one of 66 players who will return this morning to complete the second round following a two hour and 50 minute delay due to morning fog.

Donaldson said: “I played nicely. Drove the ball well. Iron play was good. Took my chances when I was close enough to do so. Hit a lot of really good putts that didn’t go in, whereas yesterday they all went in, but 69 following a 62 is a solid score.

“It can always be better, can’t it, but only one bogey. I wanted to try to go flag hunting a little bit which maybe I shouldn’t have done, but happy with how I played.”

Roger Federer made it through to a record seventh Australian Open final when South Korean Hyeon Chung retired in the second set of their semi-final.

The Swiss led 6-1 5-2 when 21-year-old Chung was forced to call it quits, three games after being treated for a blister on his left foot. Defending champion Federer, 36, goes on to face Croatian sixth seed Marin Cilic in tomorrow’s final.

The world number two is seeking a sixth Australian and 20th Grand Slam title.

Federer was on course to take a two-set lead after just 62 minutes when the second semi-final came to an abrupt halt.