Austrian joins South African pair to top leaderboard at Qatar Masters in Doha
Only one shot separates top three – Bernd Wiesberger, George Coetzee and Branden Grace – from trio in second
The Qatar Masters appeared set for another thrilling finish as a trio of golfers shared the lead after the second round on Thursday.
South Africans George Coetzee and Branden Grace along with Austrian Bernd Wiesberger were on top on nine-under par 135 for a one-shot advantage over Argentinian Emiliano Grillo, South Korean An Byeong-hun and Scot Marc Warren.
Coetzee, winner of the Joburg Open late last year, shot a steady 67 in another day of calm conditions at the Doha Golf Club, while Wiesberger carded a 66 before Grace caught up with them with a 68.
I’m playing well. My swing is coming along slightly and I’m putting pretty nicely
Wiesberger, who started on the 10th hole, began in style, picking up five shots over his first seven holes, including four straight gains.
His only blemish of the day came at the par four seventh, but he compensated by ending with a birdie four for an impressive 66, a round of six under.
Coetzee too fared better on his outward nine, making four gains, but also had one blemish, his second bogey at the fifth hole this week.
“I’m playing well. My swing is coming along slightly and I’m putting pretty nicely,” said Coetzee.” I’ve just got to wait for my birdies and not force it and kind of play the golf course like I know it.”
Wiesberger, who shared sixth place at the Abu Dhabi Golf Championship last week, said: “I feel comfortable. I haven’t really expected it going into those two weeks, especially because I played quite poorly last year.