(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fawad Hussain |
The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: Finland's Sami Valimaki claimed his maiden Commercial Bank Qatar Masters title after beating Jorge Campillo in the play-off bringing curtain down to exciting action at the Doha Golf Club yesterday.
Valimaki and third-round leader Campillo finished the final round on 18 under overall forcing a play-off after an absorbing contest on the last day. The Finn then needed only one hole in the decisive stage to clinch the magnificent 'Mother of Pearl' trophy and his second DP World Tour title after his triumph at Oman Open in 2020.
“Unbelievable. It's hard to talk. It's been a long journey and it feels great. I've worked so hard and I feel like I've earned it a couple of times but it hasn't come my way. What's why it feels so amazing,” an emotional Valimaki said after sealing the prestigious title.
Finland's Sami Valimaki celebrates after winning the Commercial Bank Qatar Masters title at the Doha Golf Club, yesterday. AFP
Spaniard Campillo, who won the Qatar Masters in 2020, continued to be in the lead throughout the day until Valimaki fought back, firing a seven-foot birdie in the 17th to grab the lead.
“It was quite tight today, I feel like I played nicely but still there were a couple of mistakes and you always get punished... Course set up and everything was brilliant but yes a birdie on 17th. I thought I had at 15 and 16 to make those putts but luckily on 17th I did,” said Valimaki.
Campillo took the title race to extra holes after making a birdie in the par-five 18th for a 2 under in the final round, which Valimaki finished on 3 under.
While Campillo could only manage par on the first play-off hole, the 25-year-old Valimaki seized the crown with a nerveless birdie putt.
Commercial Bank's Board Member Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah and Commercial Bank Group CEO Joseph Abraham present the Mother of Pearl trophy to Sami Valimaki. Pic: Amr Diab
Yesterday, Scotland's Scott Jamieson also finished the tournament on high note as he held joint third place with Spain's Nacho Elvira after both carded 69 in the fourth round to close the tournament on 16 under.
Courtesy to the third finish, Jamieson, who started the week on 119th, jumped to 82nd in the Dubai Rankings retaining his DP World Tour card for the next season.
“I'm delighted, obviously. Not the best situation starting the week. I'd spent the whole year on the right side of the line and then as each week went on and on, I kept missing the cuts by a shot. Then all of a sudden this week, it's a very different game. I've got to have a result. I knew in my mind it was top-20 minimum or it won't be good enough. It's just amazing what a better mindset can do,” said Jamieson.
Sami Valimaki receives winner's cheque of $637,500 from Commercial Bank's Board Member Abdul Rahman bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Commercial Bank Group CEO Joseph Abraham and QGA President Hassan Al Naimi yesterday.
England's Jordan Smith earned fifth place with 15 under while Joshua Grenville-Wood, Robert MacIntyre and Santiago Tarrio were tied for a sixth place after finishing on 14 under.
QGA president delighted with Qatar Masters success
Meanwhile, Qatar Golf Association (QGA) President Hassan Al Naimi expressed his delight over the successful hosting of the 26th Commercial Bank Qatar Masters. The $3 tournament featuring 132 prominent golfers on the DP World Tour witnessed exciting action with battle for the title going down to the wire.
“We are very happy with the continued success of the Qatar Masters with our partners in Commercial Bank and the European Tour. It was another exciting edition of the tournament which culminated in a thrilling fashion,” Al Naimi said after the presentation.
“We are thankful to President of the Qatar Olympic Committee His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al Thani, our official sponsor Commercial Bank, and all the sponsors for their continued support. We are also thankful to the Doha Golf Club for hosting this tournament in a great fashion,” the QGA President added.
QGA Technical Expert Mike Shoueiry said excellent performances from the golfers added colours to the premier tournament.
“I believe that the technical level of this year's competitions was higher, which was evident from the strong competition and good performance from many players,” said Shoueiry.
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