A late first round score of 69 from Emanuele Canonica upset early leaders Joe Heraty, Noemi Jimenez Martin and defending champion Robbie Busher, on a blustery day at Saadiyat Beach Golf Club.

All sharing the lead on one-under-par after rounds of 71 each, Heraty, Martin and Busher all looked set to be taking control of the tournament, on a day where scoring was widely spread very early on and the tough seaside conditions took a strangle on many Professional’s scores.

But the PGA of Italy’s Canonica had other ideas, who, having only arrived the morning of the tournament, posted a sublime score to snatch the lead heading into the second round at Yas Links Golf Club tomorrow.

On his round, Heraty commented: “I got off to a poor start and felt a little on the backfoot, but I managed to keep it together and I am really looking forward to going low tomorrow at Yas Links”.

Heraty’s team [with amateurs Dara Paulson, Blanca Rivollier and Steve Hall] lead the team Pro-Am event on 88 points [16-under-par], with Team Martin in second and Team Busher in third on 86 and 83 points respectively.

Full Scores Available at cp.golf/2020AbuDhabi

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