DUBAI // Andrew Marshall held his nerve to birdie the first play-off hole against fellow Englishman Adam Sagar to win the Sheikh Maktoum Dubai Open, his second title on the Mena Golf Tour, at Al Badia Golf Club on Wednesday.
Marshall executed superbly on the first extra hole, the par-5 18th, drilling his six iron from 195 yards to within 10 feet and two-putted for the winning birdie while Sagar found the water with his approach in a tense finish.
See more on the Sheikh Maktoum Dubai Open:
• Round 2: Andrew Marshall steps on the gas to take a two-shot lead
• Round 1: Fredrik Lindblom holds one-shot lead after opening round
With an overnight lead of two strokes, Marshall closed with a 73 to reach eight under for the tournament in regulation, forcing a play-off with his compatriot who, playing four groups behind, carded a final round of 68 to set the clubhouse target.
Morocco’s Younes El Hassani returned final-round 71 for a share of third on six under along with Sixto Casabona-Navarro of Spain, Fredrik Lindblom of Sweden and Chile’s Antonio Costa.
The day ultimately belonged to Marshall, though. The European Tour veteran had his fair share of anxious moments, but each time he responded to seal another win in a season overflowing with dominant performances on the Mena Tour.
“It feels nice to get the job done. I played quite nicely, but my putting wasn’t up the mark, missed quite a few short ones coming home,” said Marshall after receiving the winner’s trophy and a cheque for US$9,000 (Dh33,000).
“I needed a birdie on the final hole to win in regulation, but my aggressive approach didn’t pay off. I chipped out of the bunker well, but missed the ensuing putt by a whisker.
“Also, hot and humid conditions made things a bit difficult and then there was the pressure of holding on to the lead,” said the 42-year-old Englishman who now boasts two firsts, a second and a tied seventh in the four events he has played in his first season on tour.
“I am loving this little run on the Mena Golf Tour. If I can keep the momentum going it will be great.”
Tied for seventh on four under overnight, Sagar rebounded from a start littered with three bogeys to start followed by a streak of seven birdies, including four in succession from the 12th to set up an anxious finale.
“I fought back well and put myself into contention, which was great,” said Sagar, who like Marshall, is also playing in his first season the Mena Tour.
“At the end of the day, I fell short by just one shot. Look forward to playing the next event on tour and hopefully I can get over the line.”
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