Qatar’s Saleh Ali Al Kaabi fired a two-under-par 70 to take lead in opening round of the 36th Qatar Open Golf Amateur Championship, which teed off at the Doha Golf Club (DGC), yesterday.
The in-form Qatari golfer, who took a silver medal at the Arab Golf Championship in Cairo last month, made the best of favourable conditions at the DGC to secure a one shot lead over Saudi Arabia’s Saud Al Sharif (71).
Another Saudi Arabian golfer Faisal Al Salhab – winner of the individual title in Cairo – finished the opening day on third position after carding 72. Al Kaabi was content with his performance on the inaugural, hoping to con-tinue his form in the remaining rounds.
“It’s a very good start for me and I am happy with a two-under-par in the first round,” the 27-year-old told reporters yesterday. “I am looking for a repeat of my performance in the second round to go into the final round with a good position,” he added.
“My recent participation in international events including the Arab Championship has given me a lot of experience and confidence. I hope I will be able to win this competition which I love but I have to show a consistent performance in the next rounds.”
Al Kaabi added the golfers were able to give their best due to fantastic conditions on an opening day. “I hope we will get the same conditions during the remaining rounds,” he said.
Meanwhile, defending champion Ali Al Shahrani finished the opening day with a joint fourth position after a score of two-over-par 74. The Qatari golfer was joined by six other golfers.
Al Shahrani said a cold weather early morning affected his performance but he hoped to bounce back in the remaining rounds.
“It’s just the first round and I am looking forward to a fightback to defend my title. The second round (today) is important and I am hoping for a better per-formance,” said Al Shahrani, who became the first Qatari golfer in 35 years to win the Qatar Open, last year.
“I hope a Qatari golfer wins this tournament for the second time in a row,” he added.
Al Shahrani also com-mended the organisers for holding the event despite facing the challenge of COVID-19 pandemic. “I would like to salute the federation officials for their commitment in holding the tournament and providing the golfers with necessary health atmosphere.
The tournament has great value for us and we always strive to compete in this event,” he added. As many as 118 golfers are taking part in the event which is considered as one of the oldest sports events in the country.
The winner of the tournament qualifies to play in the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters which is a part of the European Tour.
