Sowerby and Raghavan Lead in Hankook Greensomes at Emirates Golf Club

Glyn Sowerby and Shashi Raghavan recorded a net 66.5 to take the lead after round one of the Hankook Greensomes Championship. Teeing off in the second match of the 200-strong field, the duo benefited from the calmer conditions as the wind picked up into the afternoon.

Representing Emirates and Dubai Creek Golf Club respectively the leaders got off to a poor start with a double bogey on the 411-yard par four. They quickly overcame their nerves with a birdie two on the short second and consistent golf followed to see them record a gross 83, net 66.5. Their closest rivals, again early starters, are the pairing of Patrick Morrow and Kevin Underwood who are one shot adrift following the opening round over the Faldo course.

Heading into the final round eleven pairs find themselves at level par or better with Lionel Smith and Kavita Sehmi in joint third on 68 along with Nick Lloyd and Jane Washbourne. Further back on 70.5 are the pairings of Malcolm Gray & Jane Gray and Anish Bhatia & Suresh Shewakramani. Also set for a final day charge are Stephen Watson & James Cook and Shane Samtani & Caroline Lamb on 71. The all Emirates Golf Club pairings of Chris Turlik & Rosemary Turlik, Gerry Rutherford & Katy Rutherford and Jayshree Gupta & Arun Khehar are all level par after rounds of 72.

The Hankook Greensomes Championship is in its 12th year and with a huge turnout has once more stated a claim for the most popular mixed event in the region.

The final round will take place over the highly acclaimed Majlis Course on Saturday 23rd April with the leaders going out last. The Omega Dubai Desert Classic layout will as always provide some worthy champions come Saturday evening.