Mena Tour: Mohammed Munir enjoys an early lead in RAK

Mohammed Munir fired a new course record during his first round at Tower Links Golf Club to lead the Ras Al Khaimah Classic by two shots.

Pakistan's Mohammad Munir leads the Ras Al Khaimah Classic after the first round. Ravindranath K / The National
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RAS AL KHAIMAH // The Pakistan flag continues to fly at the Mena Tour, with Mohammed Munir firing a new course record during his first round yesterday at Tower Links Golf Club to lead the Ras Al Khaimah Classic by two shots.

The 38 year old, below, posted seven birdies en route to a six-under-par 66, to leave Tyler Hogarty, the promising amateur, in second place.

Munir, the Pakistan No 2, is one of eight compatriots competing on the tour and came home third in the season-opening Dubai Creek Open.

His fellow countryman, Shafiq Masih won the Dirab Golf Championship in Saudi Arabia last time out. "Shafiq's win has motivated the entire Pakistan contingent. We are charged up to do well," Munir said.

"I played really solid from tee to green.

"I started with a bogey, but birdied the next, which gave me a big confidence boost. Things thereafter were pretty smooth."

Hogarty looks set to claim the outright lead in the amateur Order of Merit, the Englishman negotiating the effects of an eye infection to post a 68. "My goal is to finish in the top three and win a place in the Dubai Desert Classic," he said. "There's still a lot of golf to be played."

Ahmed Al Musharrekh, the Emirati professional, continued to struggle, carding a 13-over par 85. Saif Thabet, the amateur, was three shots better off.

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