Tom Lewis holds a four-shot lead going into today's final round of the Abu Dhabi Junior Golf Championship, after he produced a bogey-free round of 69 on Abu Dhabi Golf Club's National Course yesterday. Lewis, who shot a majestic eight-under par 64 on the event's first day, is not, however, out of sight. Chief rival Chris Lloyd, three shots back, carded seven birdies en route to a round of 65. "I didn't feel that I played well today, but I still shot three under and would certainly have taken this position before we started," said Lewis. "Chris played really well to keep the pressure on, and I think this will be good as it will help me to stay really focused for the final round."
Such is the complete domination of Lewis and Lloyd that the pair are the only players under par in the 12-strong field in the boys' division. Third-placed Ross Mitchell is on level par, while the first UAE golfer to participate in the tournament, Dubai-based Joe Neale, ended the day on 15 over. Having started the second day locked in a three-way battle for the lead, Alexandra Peters' solid driving helped pushed her clear of rivals Holly Clyburn and Sophie Godley in the girls' division. After a second successive round of 71, Peters, who is clearly enjoying her second consecutive year at the National, has a four-shot lead over Clyburn and Godley, both of whom returned cards of 75 to lie two over par overnight.
"I was really happy with my play overall, although disappointed to take three putts on the final green," said Peters. "The course is absolutely superb though, it is really nice to play in such good conditions." Off the course, the championship - which is presented by The Daily Telegraph - earned lavish praise from double Ryder Cup winner David Howell. "The quality of play over the past couple of days has certainly justified the championship's reputation as the world's leading junior golf tournament," said Howell. "The standard, organisation and venue is second to none."
emegson@thenational.ae