The Aramco Team Series Riyadh is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, with Slovenia’s Pia Babnik taking command on the leaderboard after two flawless rounds of seven-under-par.
Babnik’s resurgence is remarkable, especially coming off a tough finish in India where she closed out +19 at the Hero Women’s Indian Open.
But here in Riyadh, she’s a different player, hitting all 18 greens in regulation and looking every bit like the champion she was in Jeddah in 2021.
Stealing the show on the day, however, was Spain’s Fatima Fernandez Cano, who lit up the course with a spectacular 10-under-par 62, brushing close to Alison Lee’s course record of 61.
Fernandez Cano’s journey has been a battle – last year, she almost walked away from the game due to a nerve issue in her right forearm that flared up only under muscle strain.
“I almost stepped away from the game,” she shared, “but one last doctor found the issue, and it’s been a roller coaster since.”
As for England’s Charley Hull, she’s in striking distance heading into the final day. Despite an early bogey, Hull bounced back with a five-under-par 67, sinking five birdies on the back nine to keep herself in contention.
Hull’s signature resilience is evident, and she’s poised to make a run for the title on the final day.
On the team side, it was Chiara Tamburlini’s squad that captured the team title with a dominant net score of -42. Tamburlini, on track to claim the LET Order of Merit, made history as the first captain to win back-to-back team events, following her October victory in Shenzhen.
Her team, featuring English talent Mimi Rhodes, France’s Anne-Charlotte Mora, and amateur Tenniel Chu, set a new record with a ten-stroke margin of victory. Tamburlini praised Chu’s infectious team spirit, recalling his bold prediction on the first tee: “He said, ‘They can just put my name on the trophy twice,’ and he was right!”
With Germany’s Helen Briem also surging, now tied in fifth, and Luna Salbron holding third on 11-under-par, the stakes are high as the final round kicks off.
The Aramco Team Series Riyadh is the last of five $1 million tournaments this season, all organized by Golf Saudi to promote golf’s growth locally and globally.
As the players gear up for the final individual showdown on November 2, fans have plenty to look forward to in this thrilling conclusion.
For more details, visit www.aramcoteamseries.com.
