Dubai's Porteous steps into the spotlight as title defense builds to a thrilling climax
Dubai resident Garrick Porteous is just 18 holes away from a remarkable title defence after seizing the third-round lead at the Abu Dhabi Challenge with a composed four-under-par 66 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting and Golf Club.
Chasing Porteous closely is Italian Renato Paratore at 13 under, following a five-under 65. Davis Bryant (USA), Sebastian Garcia (Spain), and Robin Sciot-Siegrist (France) are all two shots back at 12 under, with a tightly packed leaderboard promising fireworks in the final round.
The 35-year-old, who now calls Dubai home, has been making the most of his local knowledge and comfort in the UAE, navigating the firm greens and fiery fairways to sit one stroke clear at 14 under par heading into Sunday's final round.
'I started off poorly. I was a couple over through five and then managed a few birdies to get one under through nine and then played well on the back,' said Porteous, who stepped back from full-time professional golf last year but clearly still has the firepower to compete at the top.
His back nine included three key birdies—none more clutch than the one at the 18th, which nudged him ahead of Paratore and set up a thrilling finale in the Garden City.
'I was just trying to hit greens. The greens are a lot firmer this year and releasing out a lot. If you miss the fairway you've got to try and find the putting surface," Porteous added. 'I've just had one swing thought all week and I got away from that a bit at the start. Obviously, the greens are pure so if you start rolling it well you've got a good chance of it going in.'
Backed By Love
Last year, Porteous won this very event with a dazzling 24 under par. Now, with his wife joining him on the bag this weekend, he's looking to keep the vibe relaxed while chasing another big win on home soil.
'I am excited. I've got my wife on my bag, she came up last night so it's still a relaxed atmosphere and we are having fun on the course,' he said 'There are so many good guys right behind me. The course sets up for a lot of birdies so if I can create the birdies then people have got to overtake me.'
As the leading Dubai-based contender, Porteous is carrying the local hopes into Sunday, with support pouring in from UAE golf fans and sponsors including Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Arena, Al Laith, and eGolf Megastore. Spectators can enjoy the final-round action for free, with world-class competition unfolding in one of the UAE's most scenic golfing settings.
Will Porteous go back-to-back in Abu Dhabi and bring home another trophy to Dubai? Sunday promises a dramatic answer.
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