Paul Waring delivered a remarkable performance in the second round of the Abu Dhabi Championship, setting a new standard in European Tour history. The English golfer achieved a career-low 11-under 61, securing a commanding five-stroke lead as he heads into the weekend of the tour's first playoff event.
Waring's exceptional round included a highlight moment on the 18th hole, where he executed a precise shot with a 3-wood from 260 yards, landing the ball within 4 feet of the pin. With a birdie on the final hole, Waring reached an impressive 19-under par for the tournament, solidifying his place at the top of the leaderboard.
The European Tour confirmed that Waring's 36-hole score to par is the lowest in the tour's history, underscoring the significance of his performance at Yas Links. The 39-year-old golfer, whose previous victory came at the Nordea Masters in 2018, expressed cautious optimism about his lead, acknowledging the competitive field and the need to maintain his momentum.
Following closely behind Waring are notable contenders such as Tommy Fleetwood, Johannes Veerman, Niklas Norgaard, and Thorbjorn Olesen, all tied for second place at 14 under. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy faced challenges during his second round, finishing nine strokes behind the leader after a triple bogey on the 17th hole.
McIlroy, a six-time Race to Dubai champion, remains determined to mount a comeback, emphasizing the importance of the course conditions in shaping the competition. With several rounds still to play, the tournament promises further excitement as players strive to outperform each other and contend for the prestigious title.
Waring's exceptional display of skill and composure has set the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the Abu Dhabi Championship, showcasing the talent and competitiveness of the European Tour's elite golfers.
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