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The Portuguese started the day with a four-shot lead, getting into contention with an eagle chip on the eighth hole
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Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the UAE Golf Federation, and Ricardo Gouvia of Portugal pose with the trophy. – Photos provided
Ricardo Gouveia shot a 6-under final round 66 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club with an eagle on the final hole to win Abu Dhabi in dramatic fashion than challenge.
The Portuguese, who started the day four behind the leaders, went into contention with a chipped eagle on the eighth hole before birdieing the 17th hole and eagle on the final. At par 19, he won his sixth Challenge Tour title.
Gouvia won ahead of England’s Tom Lewis, Dubai resident Joshua Grenville-Wood, South African Wilconi Nabel and Spaniard Ivan in an exciting final day where five different players held the lead. Cantero Gutierrez was two and they were tied for second under par on 17.
Gouvia, who topped the Challenge Tour rankings in 2015, is delighted to rediscover his form and return to the championship ring in Abu Dhabi.
“It’s been a crazy day,” he said. “I didn’t feel like I was playing my best game off the tee, but I managed myself really well. I knew the pins were going to be hidden and my strategy was really good. I made some beautiful putts and I So happy to be at the top.
“I tried to focus on finishing the round strong because in golf you never know what’s going to happen. It was a special way of finishing and I’m very happy right now.”
The 31-year-old will tee off at next week’s UAE Challenge and admits past Challenge Tour wins have helped him succeed.
“I’ve been mentally preparing a lot lately and my nerves are in better control,” he said. “I’ve been using stress as fuel.
“I had a good pre-season and I know my game is going in the right direction. I didn’t start the season well, but I prepared well for five weeks for this event and I feel like I Get ready to fight for the top of the leaderboard once again.
“Next week I’m playing the Challenge Tour and after this win I’ve gained a lot of confidence.”
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