Late charge puts Ross McGowan in front before final day of Abu Dhabi Open

Division leader Younes El Hassani is fourth and stays in the hunt at the Abu Dhabi Open.

England’s Ross McGowan scorched the back nine on Tuesday to take the lead ahead of Wednesday’s final round at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club in Abu Dhabi. Courtesy Mena Golf Tour

An impressive run of form on the back nine on Tuesday has put Ross McGowan in position to win the Mena Tour’s Abu Dhabi Open.

Starting the day three shots off the pace but alone in second at four-under, the 32-year-old Englishman made the turn in par 36 but came roaring home in 30 shots, mixing five birdies and an eagle with a bogey to move to 10-under, two ahead of countryman and overnight leader Zane Scotland, who returned a 71 at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

McGowan, who is looking to win the event for a second time, having done so 2012, believed he could have done better.

“I didn’t play that well on the front nine and made some silly mistakes. Just two birdies and two bogeys weren’t good,” he said.

“Things were much nicer on the back nine, which I played 6-under. I should have picked up at least two more shots, but three-putted the 12th and found water on the 15th. I am playing well but not as well as I would have liked.

“It is still work in progress.”

McGowan, who won the European Tour’s Madrid Masters in 2009, said he was taking nothing for granted ahead of Wednesday’s final round.

“You never know what tomorrow holds, but I guess I’m in a good position. I will try to play my own game and see what happens,” he said.

The winner of the Dubai Creek Open, Luke Joy of England, is in third place, seven shots under par, after carding a 67. Morocco’s Younes El Hassani shares fourth a further shot back, along with the South African duo of Tyler Hogarty and Conway Kunneke and Roberto Rodriguez Cacho of Mexico.

El Hassani continued to call the shots in the Mena Division for the Shaikh Maktoum Golf Foundation with another consistent performance.

“I putted really well and that was the key,” he said. “Friendly pin positions today made life easier and the course is in superb condition.

“I think the Moroccan players are knocking on the door and it’s just a matter of time before one of us goes the full distance.”

Stephen Dodd of Wales, the defending champion, carded a par 72 for a share of 40th place, while British and Austrian PGA champion Chris McDonnell of England moved into a tie for 13th after a second-round 68.

The cut was made at four-over 148, with 43 professionals and 10 amateurs making it to the final round on Wednesday.

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