Francesco Laporta is on top of the leaderboard at the halfway stage of the Abu Dhabi HSBC Championship.
The 29-year-old from Italy fired a stunning round of nine under par 63 to lead Matthew Fitzpatrick and Rafa Cabrera Bello by a shot going into Saturday's third round.
Meanwhile world number one Brooks Koepka struggled to a three over par 75 to sit seven shots off the pace.
Australia reach World Cup knockouts, Turkey beat USA
Australia booked their spot in the knockout rounds of the World Cup on Thursday after a cagey draw against Paraguay, who are set to qualify as a third-placed finisher, while Turkey beat USA 3-2, scoring the winner with virtually the last kick of the match.
Netherlands win Group F, Japan and Sweden also through
The Netherlands scored two goals in the first seven minutes of the first half en route to a 3-1 victory over Tunisia on Thursday night in Kansas City in Group F, while Japan and Sweden drew 1-1 in Texas.
Beccacece hails Ecuador's biggest World Cup victory
Ecuador coach Sebastian Beccacece said all Ecuadoreans have a lot to celebrate on Thursday after the country's biggest World Cup result ever, coming from behind to beat Germany 2-1 and advance to the knockout stage.
New Zealand openers break record against England
New Zealand took control of the third Test at Trent Bridge with Tom Latham and Devon Conway setting a record partnership for the Kiwis against England on Thursday.
MENA Golf Tour confirms exemption categories for 2026/27 season
The MENA Golf Tour has confirmed the full list of exemption categories for the 2026/27 season, setting out how players can earn their place on a Tour that is opening up more routes to competition than ever before.
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