Tommy Fleetwood tied for lead in defence of his title in Abu Dhabi

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Tommy Fleetwood hit all 18 greens in regulation to make a perfect start to the defence of his Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship presented by EGA title.

The Englishman, whose victory at Abu Dhabi Golf Club 12 months ago set him on the way to winning the Race to Dubai, opened with a flawless six under par 66.

 

That was good enough for a share of the lead alongside Japan's Hideto Tanihara after the opening round, and afterwards 26 year old Fleetwood admitted he was pleased with his accuracy so early in the season.

“It's a good golf course to hit 18 greens around,” Fleetwood said. “Just a good ball-striking round and nice to start the year off like that.

“Had control of my ball really from the get-go. Just sort of did what you need to do well around here to get a good score: I drove it well, got away with a couple of tee shots
 

Playing alongside World Number One Dustin Johnson and four-time Major winner Rory McIlroy, Fleetwood had this to say " I think during my career, I think I'm going to struggle to find a better three ball, really. Doesn't matter how long I play. That might be the best one I get."

McIlroy waited 12 holes for his first birdie but a couple of late gains saw him finish on three under, while Johnson mixed four bogeys with four birdies in a level par 72

Paraguay's Fabrizio Zanotti, who has missed the cut in three of his last four appearances at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, finished birdie-eagle to lie in a share of third on -5, alongside Australia's Sam Brazel, England's Ross Fisher, Belgian Thomas Pieters and Austrian Bernd Wiesberger

 

Bryan Angus