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Bent extends lead to five strokes

DUBAI - Gerard Bent (ADGCS) moved closer to winning his first Shaikh Rashid Trophy with a solid one-under par 71 around the Wadi course at the Emirates Golf Club to extend his lead to five shots.

Starting the second round two shots ahead of Steve Edgely (UGA), Bent played a solid front-9 of one under par 34 and completed the difficult back-9 with a comfortable level par 37 for a 36-hole total of six under par.

Bent didn't really have any problems all day until a loss of concentration on the final hole when a loose nine iron on his approach shot found the greenside bunker and lead to his second bogey of the day.

Game plan

"Today I went out focused on not making any major mistakes and stuck with my game plan. The Wadi course is always a tough course to score on but today my rhythm and touch on the greens was consistent throughout. I'm looking forward to tomorrow on the Majlis Course which is one of my all time favourite courses," said Bent.

Former England international Steve Edgely, like Bent, played a solid round until he found trouble on the par 4 15th hole where his tee shot found the sandy waste and he proceeded to top the ball into an unplayable lie. He recovered with three pars for a two over par 74 to be five shots off the leader, in second place.

Players to make a move included Vikram Judge (DCGYC), who shot a one under par 71 to be tied with Professional Andrew Elliott (AGGC) in joint third place on 147.

Emirates Golf Club Captain Butch Kamps rolled back the years with a creditable one under par 71 to be one shot behind defending Champion Adrian Flaherty who once again struggled to a 3-over par 75.

The leading junior in the field is Jonathan Jeffrey (AGGC) who shot a great round of 73 to stand alone in seventh place.

The tournament is sponsored by the Jebel Ali Golf Resort & Spa and supported by Emaar, Dell, Cutter & Buck, Pepsi, Byrne, Ernst & Young and GN.

The final round will be played today over the famous Majlis course at Emirates Golf Club with the leaders teeing off at 12:40.

Notable scores: Brad Sutherland (JAGRS) 79; Alex Charawani (ADGCS) 77; Peter Holland (UGA) 79; John Mills (UGA) 75.