DOHA (Qatar): Overnight leader Ali Al Shahrani maintained his performance right throughout to claim the Qatar Open Amateur Championship at the Doha Golf Club on Saturday.
There was a piece of history too attached with his triumph as he became the only second Qatari to inscribe his name on the trophy in tournament’s 35-year history with a six-stroke win.
Abdullah Al Bouanain, was the first Qatari to win the inaugural edition on sand 35 years ago.
The tournament was organized by Qatar Golf Association (QGA) in association with Qatar Olympic Committee with the winner qualifying for the Qatar Masters, which will be held from March 11 to 14 at the Education City Golf course.
Al Shahrani automatically qualifies as Qatar Open winner to compete in the European tour event while his team-mate Jaham Al Kuwari received a wild card for next month’s event.
Al Shahrani warded off a tough challenge from his Qatari team-mate Saleh Al Kaabi and South African Ruan Jordaan, both finished with an identical score of 9-over par.
Al Shahrani finished with a gross score of 219 3-over par in the three rounds.
“I am dedicating my win to the QGA and as they’ve were always a source of encouragement and support. I’m very happy that I have become the first Qatari to win the championship, after a gap of 35 years,” Al Shahrani told qatar-masters.com.
“I thank QGA and Qatar Golf Academy coaches Hassan, Anwar Ali and Mike Elliot,” said Al Shahrani, who was initiated to the game by his father.
“It wasn’t an easy competition. We played in very tough windy conditions. In the final round, I was under a lot of pressure from Saleh, but thankfully I managed to win,” said Al Shahrani.
QGA Secretary General Fahad Al Naimi, who presented the trophy to Al Shahrani, complimented the golfer.
“Qatar’s Abdullah Al Bouanain won the inaugural edition in 1983, but that was on a sand course. After over 35 years, we’ve another Qatari winning the tournament. It’s a superb achievement. Ali is one of our top players. I hope he will do well for the country,” said Al Naimi.
