– Iván Cantero (-1), like Jorge Campillo, managed to play under par in the afternoon round. Great round by the Asturian golfer. He delivered two 7-woods worth framing. One was on the 18th hole, reaching the green in two. Two putts for birdie. The result of the player from Llanes is very commendable, especially because he comes from many changes. He has switched from Srixon to Callaway, including a ball change, made some variations in his swing seeking consistency, especially in pressure moments, and has become a father. Quite something.
The truth is that these changes in his life have suited him wonderfully. He is happier with the Callaway ball because it is giving him more spin, the changes he has made in the swing with the help of Jordi García del Moral are already helping him play more solidly, with fewer mistakes, always, or almost always, seeing his ball go to the right. And as for the little girl, well, that’s the most important thing. The little one and Laura are in Dubai accompanying him, and Iván is over the moon. With their presence, the good shots are better, and the bad ones not so bad.
In this video, he explains the changes he has made in the swing to compensate for his classic very strong grip:
– Alex del Rey (PAR) was very close to finishing under par. His golf really deserved it. From tee to green, he was very solid. The pity was the end. An unexpected three-putt on the 6th hole and a bogey on the always tricky 9th hole prevented him from finishing in red numbers. In any case, the feelings are good. If he manages to eliminate those moments per round that cost him avoidable strokes, the Madrid native would not drop from the top positions. And he knows it.
– David Puig (PAR) will have the opportunity to finish under par this Friday. He has the 18th hole left. He didn’t have time to finish due to lack of light. In the final stretch, he delivered one of his usual delicacies. He holed it from outside on the 15th hole for birdie.
– The 5th hole confused several players in the first round of the tournament. It’s a not very long par 4. In fact, there are many players who choose to hit a 3-wood or even less club, especially today when the wind was helping. The reason is that there is a lake 330 yards from the tee eagerly awaiting the balls. Well, today no less than 12 players went into the water off the tee for going longer than necessary: Jorge Campillo, Nacho Elvira, Dustin Johnson, Andrew Johnston, Eddie Pepperell, Casey Jarvis, Rikuya Hoshino, Thriston Lawrence, Marcus Kinhult, Calum Hill, Victor Perez, and Jeong Weon Ko. By the way, none managed to save par after dropping. All 12 made bogey.
– Mikael Lindberg is one of the longest hitters on the DP World Tour, if not the longest. The Swede is playing these first two days with Manu Elvira and has showcased his hitting power. On the 18th hole, he hit a monstrous drive and left himself a second shot with a 7-iron. On the 3rd hole, he missed the tee shot to the bunker and from the sand hit a 4-iron to the green. Crazy. Afterwards, Lindberg joked with Manu after finishing his round. “I think I gave your mum a good scare on the 11th hole… My ball went right where she was,” he said apologetically. Nothing. Occupational hazards.
– Perhaps it’s time to also highlight the hitting power of Rasmus Neergaard Petersen. Today he played with David Puig, and they were neck and neck on many tee shots. The Spaniard goes longer, but the Dane gives him a run for his money on quite a few. The third member of this group, Martin Couvra, who still has a baby face, is a joy. Pure electricity. A very fun player to follow.
– Anecdote. Do you know how much Rory McIlroy got for playing in India? The fixed fee was four million dollars. And for playing two years in a row in Australia? Seven million.
