The wind was still there on the Al Mouj Golf course. And it was blowing even more than this Thursday. What push the fault of many players. Leader after the first round, Yonggu Shin conceded four strokes and fell to third place in the International Series Open, to be followed on L’Équipe Liv e.
“It’s a totally different course compared to yesterday (Thursday). I knew the wind was going to pick up, that it would definitely be difficult. The greens were firmer and the flag positions were very difficult, especially with this wind” , explained the Canadian.
But Brooks Koepka had an even worse day. After a +2 on Thursday, the four-time major winner returned a card of 78 (+6). The American is 87th at +8 and he does not pass the cut. Louis Oosthuizen (+8) and Charl Schwartzel (+9) will not be in the game on Saturday either.
The second round was so complicated that the best score of the day is 70 to -2. In the leading group, Ryo Hisatsune (2nd at -3 total) and Joaquin Niemann (3rd at -2 total) were the only ones to achieve such a performance.
“It was a very good round. I played very well. I probably could have done even better, but I missed a few short putts. But I’m very happy, the conditions were difficult and I can’t stand myself. complain with a score of -2. The wind was blowing, the greens were firm so I’m happy ,” said the Chilean.
But the two players are still ahead of Takumi Kanaya. With four birdies and three bogeys, the former amateur world number 1 took the lead in this International Series Open. “The day was difficult, the breeze was very strong. But I feel good, I made 71 and it’s a good score. There are two days left, so I will do my best ,” summed up the Japanese.
Former Yonggu Shin runners-up Sergio Garcia and Sadom Kaewkanjan both returned 76 to +4. The Spaniard notably lost three strokes on hole n° 4 while the young Thai conceded six bogeys between the 9th and 18th. They now find themselves in 7th place in the tournament. The third round will be on Saturday from 9 a.m. on L’Équipe Live and Journal du Golf TV.
Source: Lequipe
