Two-time DP World Tour winner Tom Lewis leads the inaugural Abu Dhabi Challenge by two shots heading into the final round after a fine Saturday around the National Course.
The Englishman, who began the day in second, carded a 4-under-par 68 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to sit on 17-under for the Challenge Tour event.
Compatriot Joshua Grenville-Wood, leader at the halfway point, lies second while five-time Challenge Tour winner Ricardo Gouveia heads a three-man group in third, on 13-under, alongside Spain’s Ivan Cantero Gutierrez and South African Wilco Nienaber.
Brandon Stone, another DP World Tour winner, is in solo sixth, on 11-under. Lewis, whose victories on Europe’s lead circuit came in 2011 and 2018, birdie two of the opening three holes on Saturday and then rebounded from the bogey on the 6th – his only dropped shot of the round - with another birdie on the eighth.
Lewis, who finished in the top 10 at the 2019 Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship at the same venue, collected birdies on 13 and 18 to set the pace heading into Sunday.
“I’m pleased with my round today,” Lewis said. “I haven’t played three rounds of golf in a long time, so it’s nice to get out here and finish strong today. There’s always a period of your round that’s going to be a bit of a struggle.
"I definitely had that, and I felt a bit of pressure out there from myself, but I think it’s important for me to continue with what I’m doing tomorrow.”
Lewis, leader on Day 1 of the tournament, will be attempting to capture his second Challenge Tour title having triumphed at the Bridgestone Challenge in his homeland almost five years ago.
The final round in Abu Dhabi gets under way at 6:45am, with Lewis leading out the final group two hours later alongside playing partners Grenville-Wood and Gouveia at 8:45am.
“The wind swirled a lot today,” Lewis said of Saturday’s work. “I felt everything was into the breeze all the time. I had a few yardages that I didn’t feel too comfortable with, so I had to manufacture a few distances and I managed my game well.
"The weather is very hot, but it’s great to be here and I’m pleased with what I did today. I holed some good putts, missed a couple, but tomorrow’s going to be another good day hopefully. I’m going to make some mistakes, but hopefully I can make some birdies too.
“It helps having a two-shot lead, but it can turn around in one hole. I’m looking to go out and be under par on the front nine and be under par on the back nine, because if that doesn’t do the job, I’ll still be happy with what I’ve done this week.”
Marking the Challenge Tour’s return to the UAE for the first time in five years, the Abu Dhabi Challenge is the first of back-to-back events taking place in the UAE as part of the European Tour group’s long-term partnership with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF).
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Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
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Countries offering golden visas
UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.
Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.
Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.
Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.
Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence.
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
