Abu Dhabi: Renato Paratore reeled off four birdies on the final four holes to take the clubhouse lead during the first day of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship on Thursday.
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The Italian belied his world ranking of 273 to outshine the likes of world No. 1 Brooks Koepka and former Masters champion Sergio Garcia with an eight-under-par round of 64 to lead by two strokes from Koepka and Australian Jason Scrivener.
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Koepka, starting on the 10th hole, got off to a flyer and was four-under at the turn. He kept a blemish-free card and picked up two more birdies on the back nine to finish on six-under. The American’s playing partners were defending champion Shane Lowry and two-time Abu Dhabi winner Tommy Fleetwood, but the big Irishman could only manage a two-under 70, with a costly double bogey on the 12th hole – his third. England’s Fleetwood fared a little worse with a one-under 71 that included three birdies and two bogeys.
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Koepka was content with his round and insists he will just stick to his gameplan as he bids to claim the Falcon Trophy.
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“I just get out there and practice, like I do every week,” he said. “I am always looking to win in every event and this is no different. We will see where it leaves me come Sunday.
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“I just want to dedicate myself for the next five years and put my stamp on the game.”
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Koepka also admitted he would love to see more of Abu Dhabi if he can find the time. “I enjoy travelling and I love seeing different cultures and cities around the world,” he said.
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“Most of the time I don’t get much of a chance as I am out there trying to win, but whenever I get a chance, I go see the sights.”
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The Morning and Evening Brief###
The Morning and Evening Brief