CLARKE  HAULS HIMSELF INTO CONTENTION

 AT RAK CLASSIC WITH A 66

MENA TOUR REPORT

from VIREN VARMA 

RAS AL KHAIMAH, UAE – Darren Clarke hauled himself back into contention with a sizzling six-under 66 to lie just two shots off the pace going into Wednesdays' final round of the MENA Golf Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah Classic

The 2016 European Ryder Cup captain mixed eight birdies with two bogeys to reach seven under for the tournament as South Africa’s Thriston Lawrence backed up his opening 69 with a 66 to claim a one-shot lead at nine under over Morocco’s Faycal Serghini.

Clarke, who is the patron of the MENA Golf Tour, picked up shots in his first two holes to set the tone for the day. He rounded off in a similar fashion with back-to-back birdies, putting himself in prime position for the final day charge.

Joining the 47-year-old Ulsterman in a four-way tie for third at seven-under were the English duo of James Allan (amateur) and Craig Hinton and South Africa’s Tyler Hogarty.

Young English prospect Allan, who flirted with victory before finishing second in a play-off at the recent Ascorp Golf Citizen Open, sounded confident of going the full distance this time around.

“I look forward to competing against a such a top-quality field. You never know what tomorrow holds, but I am playing well. The confidence is there and let’s see what happens,” said the 21-year-old from Chelmsford. T

A victory against a such a talented field, headlined by European Tour winners — Stephen Dodd, Malcolm Mackenzie and Miles Tunnicliff in addition to Clarke — could well mark a defining moment in the career of Allan, who is waiting for the “right moment” to turn professional. 

Allan’s closest rival in the amateur division, Rayhan Thomas of India, also made a perceptible charge up the leaderboard, carding a second round 67 to move to two-under for the tournament.

Morocco’s Serghini, who currently leads the MENA Division, returned a 70 to go eight-under, putting himself in the frame of his maiden win on the tour. 

“I am striking the ball well and hopefully it will get even better,” said the 38-year-old from Casablanca, who is a three-time runner-up on the tour. “I feel like I am in good position and may be able to get over the line this time around.”

SECOND-ROUND LEADERBOARD
Par 144 (2x72)
135 T Lawrence (SAfr) 69 66
136 F Serghini (Mor) 66 70
137 T Hogarty (SAfr) 70 67, J Allan (Eng) (am) 67 70, C Hinton (Eng) 68 69, D Clarke (NIr) 71 66

SCOTS' SCORES
143 T Innes-Ker 68 75 (T21)
145  B Alexander (am) 74 74 (T30)
146 P Doherty 73 73 (T34)
MISSED THE CUT
150 C Lutton 73 77, D Kay 74 76

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