Salim Khalifa Masood wins after thrilling countback

TDT | Manama

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Salim Khalifa Masood clinched victory at a New Year golf competition at Awali Golf Club after edging out Rashed Ahmed Al Kaabi on countback with an impressive 68 gross, organisers said.

Lee McIlear set the early pace with 37 points, a score that kept him in the lead for much of the day despite a costly final hole. The standings changed in the late afternoon as both Al Kaabi and Masood returned matching cards of 38 points, forcing officials to apply countback rules based on the back nine and final six holes.

Masood prevailed after a steady round that included five birdies, three bogeys and 10 pars. Ashima Talwar claimed a prize for the first time by finishing fourth with 36 points, beating Salah Musbah Al Kaabi on countback, while Gérard van Gerwen and Melanie Swain followed in the standings.