Kiwi Duo Contends in $16 Million Abu Dhabi Championship
New Zealand golfers Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori remain competitive as the Abu Dhabi Championship reaches its halfway point.
Daniel Hillier's Performance
Hillier, 27, carded a four-under 68 in the second round to reach 10-under par, placing him in a seven-way tie for 10th. During his round, he made seven birdies but gave back some strokes with three bogeys, including two on holes 15 and 17. He is four shots behind the leaders.
Leaders Aaron Rai and Tommy Fleetwood
English players Aaron Rai and Tommy Fleetwood share the lead. Fleetwood, who co-led after the first round, shot six-under in the second round, with just one bogey and 15 birdies overall.
Rai matched the best round of the day with an eight-under 64, which included five birdies and a rare albatross from 196 meters on the par-five second hole.
Kazuma Kobori's Day
Kobori, 24, slipped to a tie for 24th after a three-over 73 in round two, following a tie for the lead in round one. His scorecard showed three birdies, one bogey, and a costly triple bogey on the 18th hole. Despite this, he remains at seven-under par and within reach of the leaders.
"His round included five birdies and an albatross – holing out from 196m on the par-five second." (Referring to Aaron Rai)
"Fleetwood has just one bogey on his scorecard along with 15 birdies."
Both Kiwi players are positioned to make significant moves on the weekend.
Author's summary: Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori remain in strong contention midway through the Abu Dhabi Championship, with leaders Aaron Rai and Tommy Fleetwood setting a competitive pace.