DOHA: Qatar’s Daniil Sokolov and Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela both displayed exceptional skill under challenging conditions at the Doha Golf Club, carding an identical four-under-par 68 to share the lead after the opening round of the 39th Qatar Open Amateur Golf Championship.
The duo managed to secure a two-shot advantage over Qatar’s Ali Al Shahrani, who also impressed on the first day with a strong performance.
Issa Abou El Ela in action.
In fourth place was Cam Krahner, who finished with a one-over-par 73, while Andrew Ikstrums and Qatar’s top golfer, Saleh Al Kaabi – last year’s runner-up – were tied for fifth after ending the round two shots off the lead.
Qatar’s Ali Al Shahrani in action.
Joe Jones took seventh place with a round of 76, while defending champion Calum Fitzgerald followed in eighth with a 77. Gary Barrowman (78) and Olivier van Lelyveld (79) rounded out the top ten positions.
The three-day tournament, which has attracted around 100 of the world’s top amateur golfers, offers the winner an incredible opportunity: a coveted spot in the prestigious Commercial Bank Qatar.