Staff WriterThe UAE Challenge is roaring along, and there’s a real buzz on the fairways as Oihan Guillamoundeguy, Mark Power, and JC Ritchie find themselves locked in a one-stroke tussle at the midway point.
With the air as crisp as a fresh pint and the course curling and bending like a well-played joke, these players are proving that in golf—much like in life—every single swing can make or break your day.
A One-Stroke Lead and Expert Play
South African JC Ritchie managed a composed two-under-par round of 70, while Frenchman Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Irishman Mark Power soared with five under 67s each, collectively inching into a position of ten under par.
These three chaps are gliding into the weekend with a one-shot lead so slender you’d think it was cut from a hair’s breadth.
And let me tell you, the UAE Challenge is getting downright delicious here—as spectators and pundits alike have their pencils sharpened, ready for a finish that promises to be more thrilling than a last-minute putt in a championship decider.
Ritchie’s Resilience and Bunker Brilliance
A seasoned competitor and a four-time HotelPlanner Tour winner, Ritchie showcased his knack for keeping cool under pressure.
After posting five birdies and three bogeys, he maintained his hold at the top of the leaderboard.
Despite dropping a shot on the 17th hole, his recovery came with style—a memorable bunker shot on the 18th secured a critical closing birdie.
“That’s one of those where you fool around with your friends on a day off when you play some chipping games,” he said. “Luckily, I managed to knock the bunker shot on 18 close and make the putt.
“I took a little bit of time to get going this morning on the front nine. As soon as the wind picked up, I seemed to settle in a bit more.
I think the wind is always going to pick up around midday. I think the course is just starting to get a little bit drier and the greens are firming up a touch.”
Guillamoundeguy and Power: In Good Spirits, With Sharp Shots
Not to be outdone, Guillamoundeguy delivered an impressive round of 67, tallying nine birdies, two bogeys, and one double bogey.
The 20-year-old ended his session on a high note, parading back-to-back birdies to finish strong.
“I hit two good shots and made two birdies in a row to finish so that’s really good,” he said.
“I am feeling good; I love the place. I have some friends who came here to support me, so I am feeling good, and I am ready for this weekend.”
Mark Power, making his first appearance on the HotelPlanner Tour in 2025, was equally upbeat after carving his own path into contention.
His three back-nine birdies signalled that even when a player feels some shots were lost along the way, perseverance can pay off.
“It’s my first event on the HotelPlanner Tour this year so I’m very happy even though I feel like I left some shots out there,” he said.
“It started off quite windy and played very differently to yesterday. It was a bit of grind on the front nine but luckily the wind dropped and it was target golf towards the end.”
A Competitive Field Poised for a Dramatic Finish
While the top trio has drawn most of the attention, the leaderboard features notable names, including Englishman Will Hopkins and the Danish duo of John Axelsen and Christoffer Bring, who share second place at nine under par.
A cohort of challengers—Belgian James Meyer Beco, Scotsman Euan Walker, England’s George Bloor, and the Spanish trio of Adri Arnaus, Albert Boneta, and Victor Pastor—trail just one stroke behind, promising an intriguing final round.
Looking Ahead
As anticipation builds for the concluding stage, the third round of the UAE Challenge is set to kick off at 8:00 am local time.
Top contenders Guillamoundeguy, Power, and Ritchie are scheduled to tee off in the final group at 10:00 am, with the promise of a fiercely competitive finish.
Golf enthusiasts and casual fans alike are in for a treat as these professionals navigate the challenging conditions of the course and the ever-changing winds that add an extra twist to the game.
With such an electric halfway stage, the UAE Challenge is proving to be a masterclass in precision, resilience, and daring strategy, making it an event no golf fan will want to miss.
