Renato Paratore Clinches UAE Challenge Title With Seven Under Par Final Round Performance

Renato Paratore clinched victory at the UAE Challenge with a final round score of seven under par 65. This event is part of the HotelPlanner Tour series in the UAE. Starting one shot behind, Paratore quickly took the lead at Al Zorah Golf & Yacht Club with three birdies and an eagle in his first five holes. He finished at 22 under par, securing his first HotelPlanner Tour title.

South African JC Ritchie, who was tied for the lead after 36 holes, applied pressure on Paratore with consecutive birdies on the 14th and 15th holes. However, a double bogey on the par-three 17th dashed his hopes. Ritchie concluded the tournament in second place at 20 under par, three shots ahead of American Dan Erickson who finished third.

Paratore's triumph marks his first win since the Betfred British Masters five years ago. His victory propels him to seventh in the Road to Mallorca Rankings. Reflecting on his performance, he said, "The feeling is great, my last win was in 2020 so today was important for me." He aims to maintain this momentum at next week's Abu Dhabi Challenge at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club.

The Italian golfer acknowledged his putting as a crucial factor in his success. "My putting has been brilliant this week. Of course, the game has been good, but the putter played a really important role," he noted. Paratore is eager to continue his strong form after not starting the season well.

France’s Oihan Guillamoundeguy and Dubai resident Adri Arnaus from Spain tied for fourth place at 16 under par. Ireland’s Mark Power, German Freddy Schott, and Portuguese Pedro Figueiredo were just one shot behind them at 14 under par.

The UAE’s Ahmad Skaik made history by becoming the first Emirati to make the cut in a European Tour group event. Skaik won the award for lowest amateur after finishing three over par despite challenges with equipment during play.

Skaik's Historic Achievement

Skaik's performance included a remarkable finish to his second round with birdie-birdie-eagle over Al Zorah’s last three holes. Despite facing difficulties with a cracked driver on day three and struggling with a replacement club on Sunday, he remained positive about learning from these experiences.

The Abu Dhabi Challenge is set to begin on April 17 at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club as part of the HotelPlanner Tour’s UAE swing in collaboration with the Emirates Golf Federation (EGF). The event will feature notable players like Wilco Nienaber and Jamie Rutherford alongside promising talents from the UAE.

Fans can enjoy free entry to watch these golfers compete without needing tickets. This event promises exciting golf action as players vie for top positions in this prestigious tour series.

With inputs from WAM