Tyrrell Hatton leads in Abu Dhabi

England’s Tyrrell Hatton shot a four under 68 to take the lead in Abu Dhabi by a single shot. But he’s got a very strong chasing pack hot on his heels.

Hatton dropped just one shot in his round, with a bogey on the par 3 fourth, and made the turn in 36 with a single birdie, four shots poorer than his round two total at the turn.

But the back nine proved kinder for Hatton, and he bagged four birdies to card a 68 and take the lead by a single shot.

There will be plenty of work for Tyrrell to do tomorrow if he is going to add the Abu Dhabi Championship to his first win on tour at last year’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, as there is chasing pack hot on his heels.

Five players are on 12 under: Dustin Johnson, Pablo Larrazabal, Kiradech Aphibarnrat, Tommy Fleetwood, and Martyn Kaymer.

And there’s another pack of five including Peter Hanson and Bernd Wiesberger, one shot off this chasing group, so this is still absolutely anyone’s to win.

Round of the day has to go to Dustin Johnson, who shot a 64, which included six birdies and a chip–in eagle on the par 5 eighth. Out in 31, and back in 32 thank you very much indeed!

Martyn Kaymer is seeking a fourth title at Abu Dhabi Golf Club but he could only muster 72, after shooting consecutive 66s on the two opening days.

Kiradech Aphibarnrat then took his place as Kaymer's nearest rival, putting his tee–shot to ten feet on the par three fourth and making his birdie to get to 11 under. But with a bogey on the front nine and two on the back nine, off set by five birdies, he could only post a two under 70.

There are 15 players within three shots of the lead, so we are all set for a proper showdown on Sunday. Dustin anyone?

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