DOHA: Finland’s Sami Valimaki beat Jorge Campillo in a playoff to win the 26th edition of Commercial Bank Qatar Masters here at the Doha Golf Course on Sunday.
It was the Finn’s second career victory on the European Tour.
Valimaki started the final round a shot behind leader Campillo but caught up on the back nine to take the lead with a birdie on the par-three 17th, but Campillo birdied the par-five 18th to join Valimaki on 18 under and force a playoff.
“It’s hard to talk. It’s been a long journey and feels great,” Valimaki said. “I work so hard and I feel like I’ve earned it a couple of times, but it hasn’t come my way. That’s why it feels so amazing.”
Valimaki was 3 under for the round and Campillo 2 under.
Campillo could only manage par on the first playoff hole as Välimäki made birdie to secure his first win since the Oman Open in 2020, which he also won in a playoff.
It’s the 11th European Tour win by a Finnish golfer and the first since Kalle Samooja won the Porsche European Open in June 2022.
