Fleetwood sets pace with record-matching 62 in Abu Dhabi 

In a thrilling opening day at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship, Tommy Fleetwood stormed into the lead with a record-matching 10-under 62, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting penultimate event on the DP World Tour. The 33-year-old Englishman, a seven-time winner on the DP World Tour, delivered his lowest opening round score worldwide, edging out Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen and American Johannes Veerman, who both shot 9-under 63s.

World No.10, Fleetwood’s stellar round was highlighted by an eagle on the par-5, 529-yard 2nd hole, where he drained an 8-foot putt after a powerful approach shot from 252 yards. His round also included eight birdies, reflecting the favourable scoring conditions at Yas Links, where 63 of 70 players finished under par.

Last year, Sam Valimaki of Finland set a new course record at Yas Links during his final round in January 2023. This year, Tommy Fleetwood matched that record, vaulting into the lead and making a decisive statement as he chases his third title at the tournament since his back-to-back titles in 2017 & 2018.

India’s Shubhankar Sharma, the only Indian in the field, recorded a 1-under 71, putting him at tied-55th as he aims to improve in the coming rounds. With only one stroke separating the top contenders, Fleetwood will need to keep his foot on the gas as the competition intensifies heading into round two.

Photo – DPWT