Robinson-Thompson, Neergaard-Petersen Share Qatar Masters Lead On Opening Day

Doha: Englishman Brandon Robinson-Thompson and Danish sensation Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen set the pace at the Commercial bank Qatar Masters, completing the opening round six-under-par to share the lead at the Doha golf Club yesterday.

Teeing off in the morning at the famed venue, Neergaard-Petersen overcame windy conditions to card an impressive 66.

The 25-year-old rebounded from an opening bogey, sinking an eight-foot birdie putt on the second hole.

He maintained momentum at the fourth, seventh, and ninth, making the turn in 33 strokes before securing his place at the top of the leaderboard.

Danny List of Australia aligns a putt at the Doha Golf Club. AFP

“I'm extremely pleased, especially after the bogey at the first. To bounce back like that was huge,” Neergaard-Petersen said.

“I felt really good on the greens today and was able to roll in some putts. It was a lovely day,” he said.

Neergaard-Petersen entered the Doha field following an impressive 2024 season in which he secured three victories on the European Challenge Tour, earning an automatic promotion to the DP World Tour.

Meanwhile, Robinson-Thompson also carded six-under-par in the afternoon, but with a dramatic finish.

Robinson-Thompson made a 60-foot birdie putt on the eighth-his penultimate hole.

“Just a lot of good stuff out there today,” Robinson-Thompson said.

“Tricky conditions with the wind, but first and foremost, the golf course is in unbelievable condition. The guys at Doha Golf Club have done such a good job. I just took advantage of opportunities that came my way,” the 32-year-old who set a course record in Bahrain last week with an opening-round 61, said.

“The first round is always important-it gets you in the tournament, helps you relax, and build on it,” he said.

“This is almost like a home game for me. I've been here so many times, and I'm so comfortable here.”

One shot behind the co-leaders, Italy's Andrea Pavan and England's Sam Bairstow posted rounds of 67 to share third place.

Frenchman Pierre Pineau and Armenia's Jean Bekirian were at five-under with two holes remaining when play was suspended at 5:12 p.m. due to darkness. They will resume their rounds at 7 a.m. on Friday.

Last week's winner in Bahrain, Laurie Canter finished the round with 4-under par.

Thirteen-year-old Daniil Sokolov, a Russian national who represents Qatar and was in the field courtesy of an invitation shot 3-over 75. With the effort he has given himself a chance of making the weekend in just his second appearance in a European tour event.

Sokolov was 2 under after four holes but picked up four bogeys and a double to drop into a tie for 105th when play was suspended with 12 players yet to finish their round.

Sokolov also played the Qatar Masters last year at the age of 12, shooting rounds of 78 and 82 to miss the cut.

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