Manuel Elvira and Rasmus Højgaard share the lead at the halfway stage of the DP World Tour’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship after a low-scoring day at Al Hamra Golf Club.
Elvira started the second round six strokes off the pace but carded eight birdies and an eagle to sign for a course record-equalling ten under par 62, setting the clubhouse target of 14 under par after 36 holes.
The Spaniard, who graduated from the Challenge Tour after finishing third on last year’s rankings, is looking to follow in older brother Nacho’s footsteps in becoming a DP World Tour winner.
Højgaard, who is aiming to emulate his twin brother Nicolai’s Ras Al Khaimah Championship victory in 2022, carded an eight under par 64 to move into a share of the lead in a bid for a fifth DP World Tour victory. One stroke further back are Denmark’s Thorbjørn Olesen, who also equalled the course record with a ten under 62, and 18-hole leader Callum Shinkwin on 13 under par. The Londoner added a 69 to his first round 62, to sit one behind the leaders.
South Africa’s Zander Lombard is one stroke further back on 12 under after he carded a second successive round of 66 to move into fifth place.
Elvira said: “I got off to the dream start. I was six under through five, birdied the first three and then eagled the fourth and birdied the fifth. After that it was just a case of keep going. I kept giving myself chances and got a 62 at the end so very happy with it. Obviously playing Challenge Tour last year was a great experience and preparation for the main Tour. It is really competitive every week. I was lucky to be in contention a lot last year so I feel like am prepared to perform here, so we will see what happens over the weekend.”