KILLARNEY, IRELAND // Ross Fisher missed a golden chance to score the first 59 on the European Tour at the Irish Open yesterday.
After six successive birdies in a front-nine 29 and then four more in a row from the 11th, the 29-year-old Englishman needed a further two over the closing stretch - which included a reachable par five.
But Fisher missed from six feet at the 15th, could only par the 519-yard 16th and closed with two more pars for a 10-under 61.
By breaking the Killarney club course record by three shots as he surged to 12-under 130, he improved his chances of a Ryder Cup debut.
He lies 13th on the points table, but could leap to sixth with a victory tomorrow.
"It was pretty flawless golf," Fisher said.
"After a solid start I caught fire. It was a shame the run had to end on the ninth but then I got into another great patch.
"I gave myself four good looks at birdies at the last four holes but didn't make them, and had to be satisfied with a 61.
"This is the start of three really important weeks for me with the Ryder Cup coming up," Fisher said.
"And this gives me a lot of confidence knowing I can make a lot of birdies."
Three-time major winner Padraig Harrington, who is also hoping to qualify for the Ryder Cup, carded a 67.
Denmark's Anders Hansen (68), Spain's Gonzalo Fernandez-Castano (69), South Korea's Noh Seung-yul (69), Australia's Brett Rumford (69) and Northern Ireland's Michael Hoey (69) were also five shots behind Fisher.
Taiwan's Yani Tseng took an early four-stroke lead in the second round of the Women's British Open yesterday after shooting a second consecutive four-under 68 at Royal Birkdale.
Tseng had five birdies and a bogey to finish at eight-under 136 going into the weekend.
"There was no wind this morning and it was very calm, so it was nice out there," the two-time major winner said.
"The course played totally different than what we played the last three days, so it was really nice. I feel very confident and if I stay patient over the weekend and just keep playing the way I'm playing I have a good chance."
Meanwhile, Siddikur opened a two-shot lead at the halfway point of the Brunei Open after the Bangladesh golfer posted a second-round 67 to move to 11-under par.
His four-under effort at the Empire Hotel and Country Club saw him move clear of overnight leader Thammanoon Srirot, who carded a 71, and Australian Adam Groom, who fired a 68.
"I'm very happy and excited with my total score as this is the first time I have been 11-under par after the second round," said Siddikur, 25, who is bidding to become the first Bangladeshi to win on the Asian Tour.
Thammanoon bemoaned a cold putter for his level-par return. "I couldn't hole any putts out there after my birdie on three," he said.
* Agencies
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
5 of the most-popular Airbnb locations in Dubai
Bobby Grudziecki, chief operating officer of Frank Porter, identifies the five most popular areas in Dubai for those looking to make the most out of their properties and the rates owners can secure:
• Dubai Marina
The Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence are popular locations, says Mr Grudziecki, due to their closeness to the beach, restaurants and hotels.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh482 to Dh739
Two bedroom: Dh627 to Dh960
Three bedroom: Dh721 to Dh1,104
• Downtown
Within walking distance of the Dubai Mall, Burj Khalifa and the famous fountains, this location combines business and leisure. “Sure it’s for tourists,” says Mr Grudziecki. “Though Downtown [still caters to business people] because it’s close to Dubai International Financial Centre."
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh497 to Dh772
Two bedroom: Dh646 to Dh1,003
Three bedroom: Dh743 to Dh1,154
• City Walk
The rising star of the Dubai property market, this area is lined with pristine sidewalks, boutiques and cafes and close to the new entertainment venue Coca Cola Arena. “Downtown and Marina are pretty much the same prices,” Mr Grudziecki says, “but City Walk is higher.”
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh524 to Dh809
Two bedroom: Dh682 to Dh1,052
Three bedroom: Dh784 to Dh1,210
• Jumeirah Lake Towers
Dubai Marina’s little brother JLT resides on the other side of Sheikh Zayed road but is still close enough to beachside outlets and attractions. The big selling point for Airbnb renters, however, is that “it’s cheaper than Dubai Marina”, Mr Grudziecki says.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh422 to Dh629
Two bedroom: Dh549 to Dh818
Three bedroom: Dh631 to Dh941
• Palm Jumeirah
Palm Jumeirah's proximity to luxury resorts is attractive, especially for big families, says Mr Grudziecki, as Airbnb renters can secure competitive rates on one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations.
Frank Porter’s average Airbnb rent:
One bedroom: Dh503 to Dh770
Two bedroom: Dh654 to Dh1,002
Three bedroom: Dh752 to Dh1,152
Dubai World Cup Carnival Thursday race card
6.30pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group Three US$200,000 (Turf) 2,000m
7.05pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
7.40pm: UAE Oaks Group Three $250,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
8.15pm: Zabeel Mile Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,600m
8.50pm: Meydan Sprint Group Two $250,000 (T) 1,000m
9.25pm: Handicap $135,000 (D) 1,400m
10pm: Handicap $135,000 (T) 1,600m
