Tour: “Sullivan’s Army” send Andy to summit in Dubai

Andy Sullivan fired a bogey-free 66 to open up a one-shot lead at the halfway stage of the DP World Tour Championships in Dubai.

The Nuneaton native had the backing of some home support as he grabbed the lead at the DP World Tour Championship and the crowds are expected to get even bigger over the weekend.

“They have followed me about six or seven times this year and every time they have been there, I’ve done pretty well so I think I am going to have to start paying for them to come out every week now!” Sullivan said.

Despite three wins this year, Sullivan can’t win the Race to Dubai but a fourth victory would round off a sensational season.

Closest to Sullivan is Argentine Emiliano Grillo whose 64 was the low round of the day.

Grillo was playing alongside race leader Rory McIlroy and thrived under the pressure of the large galleries who are invariably attracted to the Northern Irishman.
It’s pretty much like a Major here. You’ve got the best players in the world and you’ve got to play really well to keep it up – Emiliano Grillo Mcilroy followed his 68 with the same score to leave himself four shots back from Sullivan on -8.

The Northern Irishman is two shots ahead of closest rival Danny Willett, who is currently in a tie for 13th, and one step closer to lifting the Harry Vardon Trophy this weekend.

American Patrick Reed closed his round with three birdies and sits one ahead of McIlroy on -9 in solo third.

European Tour veteran Thongchai Jaidee took the lead earlier in the day but finished disappointingly as others shot past him.

He sits alongside McIlroy and South African Charl Schwartzel.