By Nick Tarratt, Special to Gulf News
The Asian Tour’s Viraj Madappa won the 36-hole UAE Qualifier Professional Division for the Saudi International, played over 36 hoes at the National Course at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, with a score of 10-under.
The prizes were spots in the Saudi International to be played at Royal Greens, Jeddah next month.
After a first round of 66, Madappa continued his form with nines of 36 and 32, including four birdies and an eagle.
This gave him a four-shot victory from Dubai-based South African MG Keyser from Jumeirah Golf Club, who made his move with a second round of 68.
Amateur Dean Naime of Egypt won the Arab Amateur Division with a two-round score of 153.
There was a tie for second place with Saleh Al Kaabi beating fellow Qatar national team member Ali Al Sharahni with a birdie four on the second extra hole, twice up and down the par five 18th.
The UAE Qualifier supported by Abu Dhabi Golf Club, Golf Saudi and the Asian Tour saw two Arab National Amateurs and two Pros qualify for the $5 million Saudi International, held from February 3-6
Results
Professional Division
V Madappa 134
MG Keyser 138
P Dunne 140
G Hurley 141
L Erik 141
L Scalise 141
T Clements 141
Arab National Amateur Division
D Naime (Egypt) 153
S Al Kaabi (Qatar) 158
A Al Sharahni (Qatar) 158