Hull Retains Abu Dhabi Lead

England’s Charley Hull will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open on Saturday.

The 22-year-old came into day two in Abu Dhabi with a two-shot advantage following her impressive opening round of 65, but the blustery conditions meant that kind of scoring was not possible on Friday.

Indeed, Hull had to settle for a level-par round of 72 that left her on five-under-par for the tournament, one clear of nearest rival and compatriot Jodi Ewart Shadoff, who signed for a second-successive score of 70.

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Hull is looking to win her second Ladies European Tour title this week and admits she was relieved to emerge from her second round unscathed. “It was really tough out there today,” Hull was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“To give you an example, I flushed a seven-iron 118 yards on hole 17. The pin was 120 yards and I still came up short. I usually hit that club 165-170 yards, so that is a ridiculous wind.”

The world number 24 is certainly hoping for calmer conditions during her final round, but she is confident she can get the job done.

She added: “I’ve still got loads to work on for tomorrow’s round but I feel good with where my game’s at. Hopefully it’s not as windy, because my new irons are going super spinny, so it’s not ideal in this wind.”