January 16, 2013: Jeev Milkha Singh has kick started his Abu Dhabi campaign on a positive note by striking three-under 69 to be tied 11th on the first day of Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship. However, Spain’s Rafa Cabrera-Bello has taken joint top position on the leaderboard with Frenchman Romain Wattel and England’sMatthew Baldwin after carding five-under-67 in the first round of Falcon Trophy.
[highlight] Shiv Kapur shot one-under-71 at the end of Thursday’s Round to be tied 35th. Gaganjeet Bhullar signed off with a score of par 72. [/highlight]
Spain’s Rafael Cabrera-Bello birdied three of his last five holes to take a share of the clubhouse lead midway through the opening round of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship.
The two-time European Tour winner came home in just 32 for a five under par 67, which was matched by England’s Matthew Baldwin and France’s Romain Wattel on the opening morning of The European Tour’s Desert Swing.
“It’s the first round of the year for most of us,” said Cabrera-Bello, who bogeyed his opening hole but was faultless for the remaining 17.
“I started good and I held my nerve and more than that, I played the game I know I can play.
Baldwin recorded his best European Tour finish when he was a runner-up at last month’s Nelson Mandela Championship, and continued that good form with seven birdies and two bogeys.
“I want to win. There are plenty of guys that obviously they want to win, as well, but I think looking at the year ahead, top 60 is a target but definitely to get a win under the belt would be superb.”
Wattel has already had two top-five finishes on The 2014 Race to Dubai having played some excellent golf in South Africa in December.
And the 22 year old Frenchman continued to shine with five birdies in a blemish-free round.
“That’s a good test all the time, Abu Dhabi, so really pleased with the five under par and it’s obviously really nice to start the tournament,” said Wattel.
Dutchman Joost Luiten, Scotland’s Marc Warren and South Africa’s Dawie van der Walt were all one off the pace after signing for rounds of 68, while Rory McIlroy drove superbly in carding a two under par 70.
McIlroy’s playing partners, Open Championship winner Phil Mickelson and defending champion Jamie Donaldson both posted one over par 73s.
Shiv Kapur shot one-under-71 at the end of Thursday’s Round to be tied 35th. Gaganjeet Bhullar signed off round one with score of par 72.
This is the eighth time that Jeev has returned to the event for a shot at holding the coveted Falcon trophy. Singh’s best finish at Abu Dhabi so far, is at 24th place.His experience on the field can work to his advantage.
