Thailand’s Kiradech two adrift of Stenson in Abu Dhabi tourney
>> ABU DHABI: Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat shot a six-under-par 66 to stay joint second in the first round of the US$2.7 million Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.
Kiradech was among a group of four players tied for second place, two strokes behind Henrik Stenson.
The Swede started his new season in the same dominant fashion that helped him become the European No.1 in 2016, shooting a bogey-free eight-under 64.
The other t hree who shared second place are Germany’s Martin Kaymer — the most successful player in the history of the tournament with three wins — Scotland’s Marc Warren and England’s Oliver Fisher.
Stenson was one of the early starters, paired with reigning US Open and Masters champions Dustin Johnson and Danny Willett, and made full use of the calm conditions and a receptive golf course to record eight birdies.
The 42-year-old Stenson, who has played all 11 previous editions of the tournament and holds the course record of 62, began in brilliant fashion covering his first nine holes in six-under par.
He then made six consecutive pars on his back nine, before finishing with two birdies in the last three holes.
“Must be the lack of practice that does it... lack of sleep, lack of practice,” said Stenson, who arrived in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday after being voted Swedish Male Athlete of the Year.
“I’m delighted with that score. I think I scored a bit better than what I played, but I kept it under control somewhat and hit a couple of close iron shots and made the putts.”