Kiwi Duo in Contention in $16m Abu Dhabi Championship
Daniel Hillier and Kazuma Kobori remain strong contenders as the Abu Dhabi Championship reaches its halfway stage. The New Zealand pair continue to chase the leaders in the high-stakes $16 million tournament.
Hillier Holds Steady at the Halfway Point
Hillier delivered a composed performance in the second round, posting a four-under 68 to reach ten-under overall. The 27-year-old registered seven birdies, offset by three bogeys, including two on holes 15 and 17.
He now shares 10th place with six other players, sitting four shots behind the leading English duo.
Fleetwood and Rai Set the Pace
England’s Tommy Fleetwood and Aaron Rai currently lead the field. Fleetwood, co-leader after round one, followed up with a six-under second round, totaling 15 birdies and only one bogey so far.
Meanwhile, Rai matched the day’s best performance with an eight-under 64, a round highlighted by five birdies and a remarkable albatross after holing out from 196 meters on the par-five second hole.
Kobori Looks to Recover Momentum
Kazuma Kobori experienced a tougher second round, recording a three-over 73 after starting the day with a share of the lead. Despite three birdies and a bogey, a costly triple bogey on the par-five 18th dropped him to a tie for 24th place.
At seven-under, the 24-year-old still stands within striking distance and will aim to climb back up the leaderboard in round three.
“At seven-under, Kobori remains in a competitive position for the tournament and will look to make a move in the third round.”
Author’s Summary
Hillier stays in the top ten as Fleetwood and Rai lead the charge, while Kobori seeks redemption in the upcoming rounds to maintain New Zealand’s hopes in Abu Dhabi.