Sokolov Holds Slim Lead at Bahrain Amateur

TDT | Manama

Email: hussianm@newsofbahrain.com

Royal Golf Club braces for thrilling finale

Daniil Sokolov will take a one-shot lead into the final round of the seventh Bahrain Amateur Open after another composed display on Saturday at the Royal Golf Club. The Russian golfer followed his opening 65 with an even-par 70 to move to nine under overall, just ahead of Sweden’s Adrian Larsson at eight under.

Larsson carded a matching 70 to stay firmly in contention, while England’s Oscar Craig and Egypt’s Issa Abou El Ela sit close behind at seven under, tied for third. With only two strokes separating the top four, the stage is set for a tense finale on Sunday.

Indonesia’s Zubair Firdaus surged up the leaderboard with a five-under 67 to sit fifth at six under, while UAE’s Jonathan Selvaraj is next at five under following a steady 71. Fellow Emiratis Salehaleh Al Kaabi and Ahmad Skaik trail slightly behind at four and three under, respectively, rounding out the international top eight.

Among Bahrain’s representatives, national team regulars Ali Al Kowari, Khalifa Al Merisi, and Ahmed Alzayed maintained solid positions after two rounds. Al Kowari posted a 70 to move to two over, tied for 20th, while Al Merisi and Alzayed are a shot back at three over. The trio remain focused on earning a strong finish ahead of next month’s King Hamad Trophy. The 54-hole tournament has drawn more than 100 players from across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia, which is a testament to the Royal Golf Club’s challenging layout and pristine conditions.  

Sokolov, whose tee-to-green consistency has underpinned his performance, avoided major errors throughout the second round. Yet Larsson, Abou El Ela, and Craig remain close enough to capitalize on any slip during the final 18 holes. With the top five separated by just three shots, the title and a guaranteed spot in the 2026 Bahrain Championship on the DP World Tour remain wide open.

Action continues today at the Royal Golf Club as players contest the final round of the seventh Bahrain Amateur Open. With just three shots separating the top five, the closing 18 holes promise a decisive finish to this year’s championship.