Duo share first round lead at UAE Challenge

Dutchman Vince van Veen and South African JC Ritchie share lead after day one of the HotelPlanner Tour’s UAE Challenge.

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Van Veen made the most of the morning conditions at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club to shoot an eight under par 64 before Ritchie followed suit in the afternoon, The pair sit one shot clear of a two-way tie for second.

Starting on the lOth, Van Veen birdied three of his first five holes before picking up shots on four consecutive holes between the I8th and the third. After tapping in a stress-free par on the ninth, the 98-year-old was thrilled with his day's work.

“Itwasagoodonetostart with,” hesaid. “Happy enough with all the things I've seen today. | had seen Jamie my putting coach prior to the tourna-ment, and | am rolling it nicely, so it was good.