Stenson surges
Henrik Stenson surged up the leaderboard to joint second as the first round headed towards its conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship today.
The Dubai-based Swede, who almost secured victory here 12 months ago, carded six birdies after 15 holes to move to six-under-par and is three behind Phillip Archer – who shot a nine-under 63 earlier in the day.
One shot behind Stenson is Paul Lawrie who carded three successive birdies from the second to ensure he stays amongst the early leaders.
Padraig Harrington made solid progress and is four-under after 17 holes, joined by Essex teenager Oliver Fisher, who last year became the youngest Briton to win a place on The European Tour at the 2006 Qualifying School.
Earlier, tournament debutant Retief Goosen carded the first eagle of the day alongside three birdies to close on a six-under-par 66.
Nick Dougherty did not drop a shot during his round, carding six birdies and making par with the rest to join Goosen at six under and the Liverpudlian was pleased with his first day showing.
“I played relatively well,” he said. “I was quite consistent and my iron play was relatively good. I was hitting a lot of greens and when you’re doing that it is pretty easy.”
Elsewhere, defending champion Chris DiMarco made a solid start, finishing three-under-par alongside Colin Montgomerie.
