Photos courtesy Tristan Jones/@TJonesPhoto

By Kent Gray
Luna Sobron has slashed the course record at Saadiyat Beach G.C. by two strokes to go from potential cut victim to genuine title contender at the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open.

The 23-year-old Spaniard mixed an eagle, nine birdies and a bogey in a 10-under 62 to rocket from a share of 76th place overnight following an opening 73 to a share of third early on the second day of the Ladies European Tour event.

Sobron is -9 for the championship, three shots behind first round leader Lee-Anne Pace (South Africa) who had a second successive 66 to move to -12. Reigning LET Rookie-of-the-Year Aditi Ashok (India) is at -11 after also signing for a second round 66 while Sobron shares third with Swede Camilla Lennarth after a 65.

The 62 eclipses the course record of 64 jointly established by defending champion Beth Allen and Brit Georgia Hall at the inaugural FBMLO last year.

Sobron went out in three under 33 with four birdies and a bogey at the par 3 6th. She came home ina staggering seven under 29 highlighted by an eagle on the par 5 15th and played her last 11 holes nine under par.

“I didn’t know it was the course record so I am very happy, it must have been all the putts I made, including that eagle on the 15th,” said Sobron who advanced to the final stage of LPGA Tour Q-School after finishing T-5 at the second stage in Florida just before arriving in Abu Dhabi.

“My back nine was just amazing. On the 18th I made a good chip onto the green and I just prayed my final putt would drop [for par which it duly did].

“I am now confident ahead of the rest of the tournament, however it will be difficult to do again, so I just need to enjoy my golf.”

On Thursday at least, satisfaction was guaranteed for the Rookie-of-the-Year candidate who will be one to watch over the weekend at Saadiyat Beach.