ABU DHABI HSBC GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP

January 21, 2023

Francesco Molinari

Yas Links

Quick Quotes

Q. You started the day in a two-way tie lead and ended in a three-way tie for the lead. Give us your verdict.

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: It was a bit scruffy. I think I left a couple of shots on the front nine and on the back nine it got tricky. Obviously the wind got up. So I'm pretty happy with what I've done. It wasn't an easy day. Obviously nice to finish with a birdie at the last.

Q. The fact that it's 15 guys within three shots make it simpler and you know you have to play a good round and a steady round won't get it done?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: It's definitely going to be a shootout tomorrow. There's loads of guys with a chance. We'll see. I mean, if the wind gets up, obviously the course plays trickier. So you might get someone shooting a low score in the morning and posting a low score.

Yeah, so I think an exciting day in store for the viewers, maybe not so much for us, but it would be a fight, and it's nice at least to position myself with a chance going into tomorrow.

Q. A long way to go I know but what would it mean to you to come out on top tomorrow, a tournament of this stature at this point in your career?

FRANCESCO MOLINARI: It would be amazing. I never won the first tournament starting my season, so it would be a new experience for me. There's no better place than to do it than a wonderful course like week, and a great tournament and great purse. I'll do my best. There's obviously quite a few other guys with the same idea.