Paul Waring breaks course record to lead in Abu Dhabi

Veteran Englishman Paul Waring delivered a scorching 11-under 61 at Yas Links in Abu Dhabi today, vaulting to a commanding five-shot lead in the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship. The 39-year-old, whose sole European Tour win came back in 2018, now sits at a record-setting 19-under after two rounds, crafting one of the most electrifying starts seen in the tournament’s history.

Waring’s opening 64 was only the beginning, as he followed it with today’s flawless round featuring nine birdies and a stunning eagle on the par-4 6th. Notably, he holed out from 119 yards for the eagle, igniting his back nine. Yet it was his performance on the par-5 18th that truly defined his day. After an embedded lie off the tee forced him into a free drop and a layup, Waring’s third shot from 250 yards sailed perfectly to within four feet, where he tapped in for birdie, sealing his career-low round.

RELATED: Fleetwood sets pace with record-matching 62 in Abu Dhabi 

As Waring heads into the weekend, the question remains whether he can maintain this momentum to secure a long-awaited second title. Chasing him is England’s Tommy Fleetwood, a two-time winner of the event, who, despite a slightly subdued 68 today after his opening 62, remains within striking distance. Fleetwood is joined at 14-under by American Johannes Veerman and Denmark’s Nikolas Norgaard and Thorbjorn Olesen, all of whom are eager to make a charge.

With 36 holes to play, Waring’s consistency and the lurking threats behind him promise an electric weekend at Yas Links.

Shubhankar Sharma posted a 73 in today’s round, bringing his total to 144 and placing him tied for 66th in the 70-player field.

Photo – DPWT