ABU DHABI — Another unbreakable 18 holes from Olafia Kristinsdottir keeps the Icelander atop of the leaderboard at 13-under, as the sun sets on Round 2 of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open.
The second day of the maiden tournament was crammed with action, with Kristinsdottir carding 66 to take a three-shot lead, while Georgia Hall made history by setting a new course record with 64; finishing ten under par for second place — a 22-place climb from yesterday.
Also shooting up the leaderboard to join Hall at 10-under was Frenchwoman Gwladys Nocera, who fired eight birdies to post a second round score of 66. America’s Beth Allen maintained her strong start and second place position alongside Hall, Nocera and Holly Clyburn by hitting a solid 66.
England’s Melissa Reid shot an impressive 65 to finish at nine under par in joint sixth place with Christine Wolfe and Sarah Kemp.
Kristinsdottir refused to crack under pressure, saying: “I’m the one who decides if I let it affect me so I did everything the same as yesterday with no added pressure.”
Twenty-year-old Georgia Hall was modest when asked her new course record, focusing more on her technical game. “I’m very happy because there were no bogeys and I played really well. Everything glued together and I had fun out there. I didn’t think of my score at all. I was just trying to make birdie after birdie.”
It was a tough day for Aditi Ashok as India’s rising star dropped to two-under par, while fan favorite Carly Booth shot a 72 to finish on one under par. It’s also been a rollercoaster course for Minea Blomqvist who ranged from a handful of birdies to a double bogey.
Aref Al Awani, General Secretary at Abu Dhabi Sports Council (ADSC), owner of the event, said: “Today has shown just how much can change in this exciting sport. It’s no surprise that with such a host of talent on the field, we saw impressive play that has teed up a thrilling weekend of world-class competition. We can’t wait to see what the next two days brings.”
Marking the Emirates-wide celebration of UAE Flag Day, players showed their support by wearing flag pins on their clothing, as well as each pin flag changing from tournament magenta to the national flag.
The FBMLO is sponsored by FBMA, Abu Dhabi Sports Council, TDIC, Al Masaood, CNBC, Etihad, Marriott Downtown Abu Dhabi and Omega.
