A final birdie on the 18th hole has placed Sebastián García Rodríguez (-12) just two shots off the lead with one round to go in the Abu Dhabi Challenge, a tournament on the HotelPlanner Tour being played at the Al Ain Equestrian. A great finish by the Madrid golfer, thus erasing the bogey on the 17th hole that had left him somewhat adrift.
García Rodríguez has earned the right to fight for victory in Abu Dhabi this Sunday. He is two shots behind Garrick Porteous (-14), the sole leader and defending champion of the tournament. Meanwhile, in second place at -13 are Renato Paratore, who won less than a week ago, the American Davis Bryant, and the leader after the second day, the Frenchman Robin Sciot-Siegrist. In other words, all players with pedigree. It won’t be an easy Sunday for anyone. Surely, the one coming in with the most momentum is Paratore, with his victory last Sunday, but we’ll see what happens.
Sebas has recorded his third consecutive round under 70 strokes. He is playing very well, minimizing errors to the maximum. He has only made three bogeys in 54 holes. Today he signed four birdies on holes 6, 7, 12, and 18. He has created a nice opportunity and Sunday will dictate who takes the last victory of the HotelPlanner Tour before the European leg.
Alberto Boneta (-9) is somewhat far from the battle for the title. He would need to sign a great round (the lowest today was 64 strokes) and hope for some help from those above. In any case, he delivered a good card of 69 strokes, managed to play under par, and has the option to achieve a great result beyond the win. The top 5 is three shots away.
Great day of golf for Borja Virto (-7). He shot 65 strokes, just one off the lowest round. Meanwhile, Adri Arnaus (-6) has linked another round under par, making it nine in a row, and Joseba Torres (-6) continues to show that birdies are falling out of his pockets. These three Spaniards still have the chance to finish the week among the top ten, a more than interesting goal. Further back are Quim Vidal (-4) and Eduard Rousaud (-1).
