Play suspended in Abu Dhabi as Spieth, McIlroy stall out in Abu Dhabi

Rory McIlroy and Jordan Spieth struggled on Friday at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, with both losing ground on the lead before play was called due to darkness.

Spieth got off to a rough start after an opening 4-under 68, making back-to-back bogeys on the fourth and fifth holes. As he hooked his tee shot on the par-4 ninth, it seemed Spieth would drop at least another shot, but his drive hit an unsuspecting fan in the backside, saving his ball from the hazard. From there, Spieth made par to turn in 38. A birdie on the par-5 10th left Spieth at 1 over the day when play was called after the 13th hole.

McIlroy, who, along with Rickie Fowler, played alongside Spieth, has a clear card through the same 13 holes, except for a bogey on the same ninth where Spieth got a fortunate break. He’s also 1 over on the day and at 5 under for the tournament.

Fowler is the only player in the group under par on Friday. He’s 3 under through 13 holes, without a bogey on the card.

All three players are chasing leader Andy Sullivan, who shot a second consecutive 5-under 67 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club to finish at 10-uner 134. First-round leader and U.S. Amateur champion Bryson DeChambeau is a shot behind Sullivan, 1 under on the round through nine holes.

Play resumes for the 60 players yet to finish Round 2 on Saturday morning at 7:40 a.m. local time (10:40 p.m. Friday Eastern). When play completes, a cut will be made and players will be sent off the first and 10th tees in threesomes for the third round.

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