Saunders maintains lead in Emirates Amateur Open

The second round of the Emirates Amateur Open welcomed the 141-strong field to the iconic Majlis course. The course was in magnificent condition following last weeks Omega Dubai Desert Classic and the competitors rose to the challenge with scoring greatly improved from round one over the Faldo course.

Michael Saunders, representing Dartford Golf Club in the UK, maintained his lead by posting a second round 71 to give him a 142 tally, 3-under par for the Championship. Once more he started strongly with birdies coming in quick succession at the 2nd, 6th and 8th holes. He gave one back at the 174-yard 4th to see him out in 33 blows. A one over par inward nine resulted in back to back scores of 71.

His closest rival, fresh from his debut appearance in the Omega Dubai Desert Classic, is still Khalid Attieh. He carded a level par 72 that included three birdies to leave him 2 shots adrift of the lead going into the final round.

The best round of the day went to Mark Chamberlain; he followed his opening 77 with a 2-under par 70 giving him a 147 tally, five off the pace. Also on that mark are Joel Neale who returned to form with a 71, and Ronan O’Reilly. Harry Diamond backed up his 74 over the Faldo with a par 72 leaving him on 146 and is in third place for the tournament.

The Championship will conclude tomorrow with the leaders teeing off at 12:45.